Agartala, April 01: The state tourism minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Tuesday said that the tourism sector in the state will be the backbone of the alternative economy in the coming days. Economic and social development of the local people will be achieved through this industry, he added.
Speaking the assembly session on Tuesday, the minister said that the state’s tourism industry is being boosted by central and state government funding. The tourism industry of the state will be taken to a significant level within the next 2 years, he said, adding that the tourism industry in the state has not developed as expected due to the negative role of the previous government.
“During the time of previous government, about Rs 22.91 crore of the central scheme was returned as it remained unspent,” Chowdhury said, adding that presently the budget for tourism rests at Rs 150 crore. He said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that to take India forward, tourism industry must be given importance. Development work of Tripura Sundari temple under the Prasad scheme will be completed in the next few days.”
“For the development of India-Bangladesh Maitri Uddan at Chattakhla, 11 different service infrastructures have been constructed at a cost of Rs 4.50 crore. Moreover, India’s longest laser show has been launched at Agartala Jagannath Dighi. 50 noiseless boats will be procured to further promote water tourism. Already, 2 state-of-the-art Armani buses have been purchased at a cost of Rs 68 lakh for the convenience of tourists,” he informed.
He said, “The state government will soon come up with a policy aimed at making homestays more popular in the state. Although currently there are 40-50 homestays in the state.”
