The Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, M.K. Alagiri on Monday informed that Union Tourism Ministry has sanctioned Rs. 3.87 crore under its ‘Destination Development scheme’ for developing an eco-park at Tiruparankundram near here.
The Tourism Ministry has already released Rs. 3.1 crore as the first instalment to commence the project, he said.
Mr. Alagiri added that the State Tourism Minister N. Suresh Rajan had written to him stating that the project would be executed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department.
While 68 lakh tourists visited the Temple City last year, around 30 lakh of them visited the Subramaniaswamy Temple. As it is in the vicinity of Madurai, developing Tiruparankundram will attract more tourists, he said.
This development follows a Rs. 5 crore-proposal of HR and CE Department submitted earlier to the Centre through the State Government as the land of the proposed park is owned by the Subramaniaswamy Temple.
The works to be taken up include a ‘hybrid musical dancing fountain,’ which is expected to cost Rs. 42.63 lakh, landscaping works, open air theatre and car parking stroll garden at a cost of Rs. 26.21 lakh and some additional landscaping in the pond and cafeteria portion at a cost of Rs. 23.95 lakh would be done.
A sum of Rs. 35.41 lakh would be spent to provide a compound grill and fencing around the eco-park.
The HR and CE Department has been directed to commission the park within 18 months and also undertake responsibility for its maintenance. The funds released would be routed through the State Tourism Department.
The HR and CE Commissioner has been asked to submit progress reports to the Government through the Director of Tourism, according to an official press release.
