In the coming years, you may not need to
dive into the Arabian Sea off the Konkan coast to catch a glimpse of the
glorious coral reefs there. Giving a big boost to tourism in the Konkan belt,
the state budget has allocated Rs 49 crore to acquire a battery-operated
submarine, which will let tourists enjoy the marine life while sitting in
closed cabins.
Minister of state for finance Deepak
Kesarkar said, “One of the major projects to promote tourism will be a
battery-operated submarine in Sindhudurg. Tourists can go deep into the sea and
view the coral biodiversity in the submarine. A detailed project report will be
prepared by December 2018.”
The state government has also kept aside
Rs 10 crore to restore Sindhudurg Fort, Rs 20 crore for Ganpatipule
beautification and Rs 22 crore for conservation of laterite stone paintings
across Konkan. The around 400-year-old paintings will undergo massive
conservation programme.
The Konkan economy is dependent on tourism
and farming, and the state government has set aside Rs 100 crore for cashew and
mango farming. Taking cue from Kerala and Goa, the state will also promote coir
industry in Konkan and Rs 10 crore budgetary support has been provided for the
same.
Courtesy: TOI