New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) The union tourism ministry has approved a financial package to the tune of Rs.47.62 crore for the development of the backwater circuit of Alappuzha in Kerala.
The project will involve construction of houseboat terminals at Arookutty, Thaneermukkom, Pallathuruthy, Nedumudi, Kanjipadam, Thottappally and Kaymkullam; night halt terminals at Vattakayal West and Karumadi Vilakkumaram; and development of micro-destinations at VayamkaraChira, Pandy, Thazhuppu and Kuthiravattomchira, the ministry said Monday.
The project has been approved by union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi.
The project will develop beaches at Arthukal and Thottappally, and Alappuzha town as the central destination of the circuit. An amount of Rs.2.38 crore has been released as the first instalment of the central financial assistance as an advance to start work.
The government of Kerala shall make land for the project available free of cost and render all possible assistance for the completion of the project in time. No portion of the sanctioned project should be executed/implemented in land/property owned by private individuals or trusts.
The Kerala government will set up a committee led by the principal secretary, tourism, to monitor the project.
The project should be commissioned within 36 months.
