Question : TOURISM PROJECTS OF KERALA



(a) whether any tourism projects has been submitted by the Government of Kerala to the Union Government under the Prime Minister`s Kumarakom Package; and

(b) if so, the time by which the projects are likely to be accorded approval?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI JAGMOHAN)

(a): Yes, Sir. A proposal from Government of Kerala for preparing a Master Plan for Development of Kumarakom and Venvanad Kayal was received by the Planning Commission at a cost of Rs.1.00 crore in August, 2000 as a package comprising eight projects. A sum of Rs.1.00 crore has been sanctioned as Additional Central Assistance to the State Government under Planning Commission`s Project Preparation Facility subject to the requirement of the State Government seeking appropriate advice from the Ministry of Tourism regarding scope of study, time frame and consultancy charges. An amount of Rs.50.00 lakhs has been released by the Planning Commission in March, 2001.

A project for preparation of Master Plans for Special Tourism Zones of Kovalam, Munnar and Kumarakom has been prioritised for Rs.40.00 lakhs during 2001-2002. In addition the Department of Tourism have sanctioned the following specific proposals for the development of Kumarakom:


(i) Wayside amenities for Rs.20.82 lakhs.
(ii) Tourist Ayurvedic Health Centre for Rs.6.50 lakhs.

(b): Does not arise.