Union Ministry of Tourism allocates ₹25 crore for development works in Big Temple complex

Union Ministry of Tourism allocates ₹25 crore for infrastructure development at Thanjavur Big Temple under CBDD scheme.

The Union Ministry of Tourism has allocated ₹25 crore for infrastructure development in and around Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple, popularly known as Thanjavur Big Temple.

Thanjavur MP S. Murasoli told reporters here on Saturday that the fund had been allocated through the Challenge Based Destination Development scheme, a sub-scheme under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 implemented by the Union Ministry of Tourism.

Presenting the list of works to be taken up under the CBDD scheme, an ASI official said that existing parking, road, moat area and ‘Rajarajan Park’ to be redeveloped, front illumination to be upgraded, existing cloakroom and shoe repository to be shifted from inside the temple complex to near the moat bridge, toilet facilities in the complex to be refurbished, old buildings where State government offices functions to be renovated and the ‘girivalam path’ around the temple to be developed.

Inquiries reveal that in addition to these works, basic redevelopment works at Bethanan Kalai Arangam, set up by the Thanjavur Corporation and jointly maintained by the civic body and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, would also be taken up.

Apart from these works, sufficient percentage of CBDD fund is to diverted for redevelopment and refurbishment of the Thanjavur Museum, set up at the Old Collectorate campus on the Court Road, redevelopment of the short-distance ‘Karikalan’ Walkers Path created a few years ago by the District Administration on the banks of the Grand Anicut canal and for organising training and capacity building programmes and for Tourism Promotion and Marketing, sources said.