Chennai-Pondy cruise service soon, says Narayanasamy

Inaugurating a four-day second annual Food Festival conducted by the Pondicherry Heritage Round Table 167 (PHRT 167) under the banner ‘Bon Appetit’ here on Friday night, he said that large number of tourists making a beeline to Puducherry on weekends often could not get accommodation here and had to stay in neighbouring Cuddalore and other districts.

“We are keen to provide necessary infrastructure and would establish additional tourism projects. Cruise service between Chennai and Puducherry would also be functional soon. Despite several difficulties and bottlenecks, our efforts to promote tourism will continue as the industry is vibrant revenue spinner for the government,” he said in a veiled reference to Lt Governor and her alleged intervention in implementation of government schemes.

Praising the schemes implemented by the PHRT 167 in Puducherry, the Chief Minister said, “Supplementary initiatives on the part of the voluntary organisations would facilitate the government to meet the requirements of the people.” Later, the Chief Minister and MLA A Anbalagan went round the stalls at the food festival which would be held till July 9. More than 50 entrepreneurs and hoteliers have set up stalls at the venue (Old Port near Hotel Seagulls) in Uppalam constituency.

The Puducherry administration has reiterated its demand for special category state status and inclusion of the Union Territory in the 15th Finance Commission. 

Talking to reporters here on Saturday, Chief Minister V Narayansamy said that he had put forth this demand to Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, who visited Puducherry on Friday and sought his help. He was also requested to help in the development of the UT, to waive the legacy loan of the UT before 2007 and a special fund for Pudcuherry. 

Further, the Chief Minister urged Naidu to take steps for setting up an Indian Institute of Environmental Science here under the Pondicherry University to which the Vice-President is the Chancellor. Naidu, who listened to Narayanasamy, assured to talk with the vice-chancellor shortly.

Reiterating that the Supreme Court judgment in the Kejriwal case would be applicable to Puducherry also, CM said he is watching the violations of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and is in consultation with legal experts. If needed, he would move the court, Narayansamy added.