The Union government has included Idukki in the National Tourism Circuit and a project has been proposed to arrange basic facilities in the main tourism spots in the district, P.T. Thomas, MP, has said.

An amount of Rs. 4.85 crore has been earmarked for the project. Kerala Industrial and Technology Consultancy (KITCO) will prepare the project report, Mr. Thomas said.

The amount will be utilised for the construction of a tourist reception centre-cum-interpretation building, rain shelters and pavilions, parking area, landscaping, electrification, river side walkway and public toilets, he said.

The project will be implemented without affecting the environment of the region, especially Munnar.

The Department of Tourism has submitted a proposal to develop Neryamangalam, on the border with Ernakulam district. Mr. Thomas said that about 85 per cent of the amount had been released as first instalment.

Munnar would be developed through an integrated project that has been submitted to the Union government. This is the highest amount allotted for basic tourism development in the district by the Centre, he said.

The Hindu