Date:12/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/12/stories/2008051256870300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Rs. 65 lakh tourism scheme for Sittannavasal

Staff Reporter

Centre sanctions Rs.23 lakh underJain Circuit Scheme

The special feature of the plan is beautification of the area leading to the cave

PUDUKOTTAI: A slew of tourism development works will be implemented in Sittannavasal, noted for its paintings and rock-cut Jain temple in Annavasal block in the district at an expenditure of Rs.65.25 lakh.

While Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Rs. 23 lakh under its ‘Jain Circuit Scheme,’ the State Town Planning Department has sanctioned Rs.42.25 lakh for executing the programme.

The ‘Jain Circuit Scheme,’ the work on which was commenced on Sunday, includes provision of road facility at Rs.14 lakh; solar lights at Rs. 2 lakh; tourist rest-shed at Rs. 5 lakh and toilets at Rs. 2 lakh.

“A sprawling site to an extent of about 10 acres is available in the vicinity of the rock-cut caves Sittannavasal. Maximum utilisation of the land belonging to the district administration will go a long way in attracting the tourists,” Collector D. Uthirakkumaran told The Hindu here on Sunday.

The Town Planning Department has sanctioned Rs.16 lakh for constructing a waiting-room, cloak room and canteen; Rs.7.50 lakh for women’s dormitory; Rs 8 lakh for pay-and-use public convenience and Rs.2.5 lakh for vehicle parking-shed.

“The special feature of the plan is beautification of the area leading to the cave. Works on setting up a park (Rs. 3.25 lakh) and beautification works (Rs. 5 lakh) are to be taken up,” the Collector said.

Annavasal Block Development Officer M. Sakthivel said that under the beautification programme, works on setting up a pathway to the cave and fixing of stones and improvement to surface would be executed to attract tourists.