State allots Rs 40 lakhs to
Saputara
The
state government has earmarked Rs 40 Lakhs for infrastructure development
at Saputara for the year 1999-2000
to develop tourism in this forest-covered area of South Gujarat.
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Some irate pilgrims
of other tourist attractions in Gujarat.
From: R.Pandya
<ravin@bom6.vsnl.net.in>
Organization: DPR
Subject: for necessary action.
I am very sorry to say
that the arrangements for tourists are absolutely hopeless at Pavagadh.
The Bus Stand is shabby and dirty, there are no proper stairs for
poor pilgrims who go on foot to the temple and the so-called Udan
Khatola is charging Rs. 25 per person without paying any tax to
the government.
The temple must be earning
minimum Rs one crore per month on an average and very shabby type
of construction is going on without any beauty or facilities. Shops
and other arrangements are alo very dirty. I hope some minister
and senior I.A.S. officer visits the place like an ordinary pilgrim
to experience the difficulties being faced by thousands of persons
every day.
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The money will be spent for
developing various facilities necessary for attracting tourists from within
and outside the state as recommended by Tata Consultancy Services.
The Tata Consultancy Services
was nominated by the state government to conduct detailed study of tourism
potential of Saputara and the various facilities required to be set up
for developing it as a premier tourists’ spot.
Mr Mehta further said the
state is planning to start direct ST bus services between Saputara
and adjoining Nasik and Jalgoan towns in Maharastra for attracting tourists
from these places.
The possibility of Maharastra
government starting the bus services on this route will be also explored,
he added. According to Mr Mehta, the state tourism department plans to
introduce adventure sports like paragliding at Saputara and other hill
resorts of the state. An amount of Rs 10 lakhs has been sanctioned for
this purpose.
Private sector participation
will be solicited in the hospitality industry to provide good quality
lodging and boarding facilities at Saputara, he said.
The state government will
give top priority to development of health facilities, communication and
electrification besides solving local problems.
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