Tuticorin : The district administration plans to augment infrastructure at four places of heritage importance in the district at an estimated cost of Rs.152.09 lakh to tap unexplored tourism potential.

The Collector, R. Palaniyandi, said that the administration was now in the process of preparing a `master tourism plan' for the project and it would be sent to the Government for approval before January 15.

According to the plan, the district administration would renovate the Veerapandiya Kattabomman Fort situated at Panchalankurichi, situated about 20 kilometres from Tuticorin, on an estimated outlay of Rs.28.89 lakh.

The fort was built in 1974, in memory of Kattabomman, who raised his voice against the British regime during the 17th century. "We are seeking government grant to meet the expenditure for renovation," Mr. Palaniyandi said.

The infrastructure at Vilathikulam town, where a historic Meenakshi temple is located, was planned to be enhanced at a cost of Rs.16.70 lakh.

"The works included improvement of facilities at the Vilathikulam bus stand and construction of more number of public toilets in the town," the Collector said.

Mr. Palaniyandi said the master plan had suggested establishment of more black top roads, community halls and sumps, at Ettayapuram, where the memorial of the poet Subramania Bharatiyar is situated, on an outlay of Rs.62.50 lakh.

Similarly, a park was planned at the ancient town of Kulasekarapattinam at a cost of Rs.44 lakh to provide entertainment to tourists. The Collector said the costs for the projects at Ettayapuram, Vuilathikulam and Kulasekarapattinam were to be shared equally by the Tourism Department and the respective local bodies.

Mr. Palaniyandi said the implementation of these projects would attract more tourists from across the country, which, in turn, would augment the flow of income to the state exchequer.

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