Mumbai: In order to boost tourism on properties of the irrigation department, the state government has decided to outsource to private players the development and maintenance of its guest houses, additional land and vacant colonies and premises situated close to dams and reservoirs. In this connection, the state cabinet has approved a policy of developing irrigation properties on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting held Tuesday at Mantralaya.
The chief minister’s office (CMO) said that the state is looking forward to generate funds by leasing out these properties, which will be utilised for maintenance of irrigation projects in the state.
Iqbal Singh Chahal, principal secretary of the Water Resources Department, told The Asian Age, “This policy will develop tourism in the state and create recreational activities for citizens. It will also help generate some revenue. In addition to this, it will create employment for the local people.”
