State hopes for tourism development, employment generation in Konkan

Mumbai: The state tourism depa-rtment hope that INS Viraat’s museum will not only help develop tourism in the Konkan region, but also generate employment in the region.

Vijay Kumar Gautam (IAS), principal secretary, department of tourism, said that the department would ensure that INS Viraat would become five star entertainment zones.

“Five warships, which have been converted into museum, are in America. This will be first outside America. Hence, it will attract Indian citizens as well as foreigners,” said Mr Gautam. Sources said that the museum would be completely operational within next one to one-and-half-year.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had earlier approached the centre to develop INS Viraat as a tourist destination.

Mr Naidu had also demanded financial assistant from Centre, which was however denied and thus they backed out from the project.

An official said, “Now, the Centre will have on-ly one proposal which is of the Maharashtra government, hence the cha-nces are very high to get INS Viraat for museum.” Sindhudurg airport would also help to bring in foreign tourists at the INS Viraat.

Mr Gautam said that the eco systems would be developed in order to generate employment for the locals.