K Chiranjeevi, Union Minister for Tourism after holding discussions with G K Wasan, Minister for Shipping and Milind Deora, Minister of State for Shipping, Communication and Information Technology has agreed to provide Central Financial Assistance for the development of heritage lighthouses as tourist destinations.
Out of 15 heritage lighthouses having historical importance, in the first phase, Konhoji Angere lighthouse in Maharashtra will be taken up for development. The Ministry of Tourism plans to support construction of a boat jetty and passenger terminal at Konhoji Angere lighthouse. Once the jetty is built, Mumbaikars and the domestic as well as international tourists will get a new day–trip destination.
The three Ministers were of the opinion that the novel idea of development of heritage lighthouses will not only protect our national heritage but also help in developing new tourism destinations. The development of lighthouses will evince new interest among youth about maritime history and development. The effort of developing heritage lighthouses into tourism destinations will also give a new impetus to development of cruise tourism in the country.
The two Ministries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the subject very soon. Various stakeholders in the Tourism and Maritime industry have hailed this decision of the Government.