Centre designates Rs 70 cr for beach tourism project in Puducherry: Kiran Bedi

Kiran Bedi, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, recently stated that the Central government has earmarked Rs 70 crore for development of beach tourism in the Union Territory. The seven villages being developed under the Centrally-sponsored ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme are Kalapet, Chinnaveerampattinam, Chunnambar, Manapet, Narambai, Dubrayapet, and Arikamedu. The programme includes several projects such as restoration, conservation, and illumination of heritage structures; revitalisation of parks; online tourist statistic information system, etc. Bedi also emphasised on the need for comprehensive planning in the villages, which could include solar lighting, rainwater harvesting, waste water treatment, beach sanitation, and landscaping along with parking slots.