Union Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (Independent) Mahesh Sharma on Sunday said the Centre is fully committed to make Puducherry a more attractive destination for international tourists.
Dr. Sharma, along with Chief Minister N.Rangasamy inaugurated the Puducherry Science Centre and Planetarium. It was developed by National Council of Science Museums at the cost of Rs.5.5 crore at Kurinji Nagar, Lawspet.
“At the Central level, we are committed to bringing up Puducherry as a top international destination and engage Puducherry as a partner in raising the tourism share of the country. It is a cool and happening place. Joining hands with the Chief Minister, we would like to make Puducherry a much more happening destination in the coming days and put this city on the world tourism map”, he added.
Stating that Civil Aviation Ministry accords top priority to Puducherry airport expansion, he said that he requested the Chief Minister to make some land available to increase the runaway length to facilitate landings of bigger aircraft.
“On the land dispute, we will find some solution…. when both State and Central think and act in unison we will find a solution”, he added.
Stating that the Centre would chalk out strategy for connectivity of Puducherry airport, he said, “Definitely private airlines will explore the present traffic. We have to sell and market this place as a desirable place.”
The state-of-the-art planetarium was formally handed over to Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Puducherry.
On tourism development, the Union Minister pointed out that India’s share in world tourism was only 0.64 per cent and the tourism sector brought Rs.1.22 lakh crore foreign revenue to the country in spite of having an incredibly rich culture and heritage.
Dr. Sharma said the Centre would consider the request for a similar Planetarium and science centre in Karaikal.
In his address, Chief Minister Mr. Rangasamy said the science centre was proposed during the budget speech for 2012-13. Now the project was successfully implemented at the cost Rs.5.5 crore with assistance of Union government. The exhibition halls on marine biology and fun science will inculcate the scientific temper among young children.
Education and Electricity Minister T.Thiagarajan, Member of Parliament R.Radhakrishnan, Chief Secretary in charge Chandraker Bharti, Science, Technology and Environment Secretary V.Candavelou were present during the occasion.
The Science Centre and Planetarium houses two exhibition galleries, a fully automated computerised digital planetarium, science demonstration area, activity corner, a 100 seater air-conditioned auditorium and a library cum conference hall. The centre is open from 10 a.m to 5.30 p.m on all days except Mondays and national holidays.
