The Hindu Business Line : Centre earmarks Rs 488 cr for tourism projects in States

THE Ministry of Tourism has earmarked Rs 488 crore for tourism projects in various States for the current financial year without any precondition of matching grant, the Minister for Tourism, Ms Renuka Chowdhury, has said.

The States, however, have to ensure timely completion of these projects and submit regular reports to the Centre for future planning, she said.Expressing concern over slow implementation in some cases, Ms Chowdhury said that now with the condition of matching grant from the States being waived, they would only have to ensure availability of land for getting full financial support from the Centre.The Minister urged the States to not only consider redefining land use norms so as to facilitate construction of budget accommodation but also look to rationalise various taxes and provide single-window clearance for tourism projects. Public-private partnership should be promoted to boost tourism, wherever possible.

During the meeting, the representative from Andhra Pradesh said the State had planned development of Pulicat Lake in Nellore district, Singoor sanctuary, Alisagar in Nizamabad, Araku valley as major tourists destinations. Proposals had been prepared and submitted for assistance to the Union Tourism Ministry. Officials of Orissa said the State had decided to develop Chilka Lake, Gopalpur sea side and Simlipal as major tourist destinations. In addition, an integrated project being planned with the Andhra Pradesh Government. Officials from Pondicherry said a project for development of the river front in Yanam had been prepared and submitted to the Centre for financial assistance.

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