Union Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) G Kishan Reddy, dedicated several tourism projects during his visit to Puducherry recently.
The projects were sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism under the SWADESH DARSHAN scheme. The projects that were inaugurated included the renovation of Aayi Mandapam and dynamic lighting at Bharathi Park at a cost of Rs. 1.33 crore, the Development of Pilgrim Facilities and Ghat along the sacred river at Sri Gangai Varagha Natheeswarar Temple at Thirukanchi at a cost of Rs. 5.82 crore, development of Spiritual Park at Thirunallar Karaikal at a cost of Rs 7.40 crore and the Development of Eden Beach at Chinna Veerampattinam at a cost of Rs 3.51 crore.
The Union Minister also inaugurated the Puducherry Shopping Festival 2022 logo which aims to promote business tourism and trade, particularly by creating unique shopping experiences for the tourists visiting Puducherry.
While addressing the officials of the tourism department of the Pondicherry Union Territory he said, “Puducherry is a vibrant destination in India that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is my pleasure to dedicate 4 projects that were sanctioned under SWADESH Darshan of the Ministry of Tourism to the nation”.
Reddy further added, “India for thousands of years has always been known for its spiritual wealth, cultural heritage, and diversity. Over the last 8 years, India is being known for world-class amenities, excellent infrastructure and facilities, and ease of living through technology and digitization. Now India is not just a place to see and visit but a destination to experience and be transformed for life.”
The Ministry of Tourism under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme has sanctioned a total of Rs. 148.31 crore for 3 projects in Puducherry. These include: Development of Spiritual Tourism Pondicherry at Thirukanch- Karaikal- Yanam (Rs 34.96 crore), Development of Franco Tamil Village at Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam (Rs. 54.91 crore) and Development of Dubrayapet, Arikamedu, Veerampatinam, Kalapet, Puducherry, and Yanam (Rs. 58.44 crore).