Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister Rajendran submitted a memorandum to Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi, requesting financial assistance from the central government for various tourism development projects in the state.The proposal includes funding for key initiatives:
₹30 crore to upgrade facilities at the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram.
₹28 crore to enhance infrastructure for tourists at the eco-tourism site of Pykara in the Nilgiris.
₹99 crore for establishing a heritage garden in Mamallapuram.
₹72 crore to develop botanical gardens in Ooty and Devala.
₹99 crore to elevate Rameswaram as a premier tourist destination.
Additionally, ₹44.95 crore has been sought under the PRASAD scheme to improve tourist amenities at eight Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu.
The memorandum also requested:
₹3,000 crore to conserve and restore historical structures built by the Marathas, Nayakas, and Palayakkars.
₹1,200 crore for tourism development through the 16th Finance Commission.
The Tamil Nadu delegation accompanying Minister Rajendran included DMK MP Trichy Siva and the state’s special representative, A.K.S. Vijayan.
These projects aim to enhance Tamil Nadu’s tourism appeal while preserving its rich cultural and historical heritage.