Kerala To Return Tourism Fund Given by Central Govt

Kerala Tourism slow pace of organizing and infrastructure development of tourist destinations has led to the situation in which it has to return th funds provided by the central ministry.Also Key tourism projects in the State, including the first phase of the Rs.400-crore backwater tourist circuit for Alappuzha, sanctioned by the Union Tourism Ministry in 2012-13, have failed to take off.

Nine projects, totalling Rs.97.77 crore, were to be executed in 12 to 36 months. They are part of a Centrally sponsored scheme for infrastructure development of tourist destinations.

A sum of Rs.24 lakh sanctioned under the scheme for conducting the World Drum Festival lapsed as the event could not be organised. Works on the cruise berth facilities at the Kochi port, backwater cruise circuit, development of Kochi as a tourist destination, and beautification of the lighthouse and Samudra beaches in Kovalam were unlikely to meet the deadline as even 50 per cent of the work had not been completed, sources said.

The delay in handing over the Central funds to Kerala Tourism by the Finance Department was the main reason for the slow start. Delay in calling tenders and entrusting work, and lack of monitoring were the other reasons.

An official of the Planning wing of Kerala Tourism confirmed that the work for the development of Bhoothathankettu and the Kappil beach and boat club in the capital had only been tendered. “We will have to give back the funds if the timeframe is not adhered to,” Principal Secretary, Tourism, Suman Billa said.

Src- http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-may-have-to-return-central-tourism-funds/article6407498.ece

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