Tamil Nadu stands first in the arrival of domestic tourists and second as far as visits of international tourists are concerned, which is why special care needs to be given to protecting our heritage sites, according to R. Kannan, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department.
He was addressing the inaugural of a seminar on ‘Protection of heritage monuments from vandalism,’ here on Tuesday. It was organised by Centre for Entrepreneurship Development sponsored by the Department of Tourism.
“Tamil Nadu is a preferred destination for its transport facilities, clean drinking water and availability of good accommodation at low rates among many other reasons. By protecting places of historical importance and heritage sites and ensuring that they are clean and hygienic, we will get to showcase our State’s rich tradition, art and culture in good light to the visitors,” he said.
Sensitising rural massesCollector L. Subramanian said there was a need to sensitise people in the rural areas in Madurai to the importance of conserving inscriptions, artefacts and sculptures.
“Many Brahmi inscriptions are found in villages here and the people can be taught to protect them and conserve heritage sites in their areas,” he stated.
