Tamil Nadu Seeks Funds for Major Tourism Projects from Union Minister

The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu,
Mr. R. Rajendran, along with the Tamil Nadu Government’s Representative in Delhi,
Hon’ble Mr. A. Jagannathan Vian, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), and
DMK Rajya Sabha Leader Mr. Trichy Siva, met with Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism and Culture,
Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in New Delhi .

During this meeting, a memorandum regarding Tamil Nadu Tourism-related projects was submitted. Proposals were made for funding assistance for the following key projects:

Swadesh Darshan 2.0

1. Development of Tourism Facilities in Mamallapuram Coastal Area:
   ₹30.02 crores were requested for developing facilities to attract tourists to Mamallapuram Beach.
2. Development of Tourism Facilities in Nilgiris District:
   ₹28.3 crores were proposed for creating facilities to attract tourists to eco-tourism destinations in Nilgiris District.

Special Assistance for State Capital Investment

1. Establishment of Heritage Garden in Mamallapuram:
   ₹99 crores were requested for setting up a traditional heritage garden.
2. Floriculture Project in Thevalai, Ooty:
   ₹72.58 crores were proposed to develop flower gardens to attract tourists.
3. Promotion of Rajamannar Temple as a Major Tourist Destination:
   ₹99 crores were sought for developing tourist facilities at Rajamannar Temple.

PRASAD Scheme

1. Facilities at Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu:
   ₹44.95 crores were requested for improving facilities for tourists visiting the eight Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu under the PRASAD scheme.

Additionally, it was highlighted that under the 16th Finance Commission, ₹3000 crores have been proposed for the preservation, renovation, and restoration of heritage structures built by Marathas, Nayaks, and Pallavas at Tamil Nadu’s tourist destinations. Furthermore, ₹1200 crores were proposed for tourism sector development.

Hon’ble Union Minister assured that Tamil Nadu’s requests for financial assistance under the 16th Finance Commission would be prioritized.

During the meeting, the Hon’ble Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister emphasized the state government’s commitment to developing tourist destinations, creating facilities, and attracting both domestic and international tourists. The Minister also requested swift approval and funding for the proposed projects.

Dr. P. Chandramohan, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu’s Department of Tourism, Culture, and Endowments, and Mrs. Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, IAS, Director of Tourism and Secretary of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, were also present at the meeting.

Issued by:
Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9