10-year plan to bring the world to Mamallapuram
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The state tourism department has launched a 10-year tourism destination master plan aimed at turning the town into a tourism hub. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has floated a tender to onboard a consultancy firm for the preparation of the plan. The first major changes are expected within 8-12 months of commencement, said officials.
"We are envisaging Mamallapuram as an international destination.
It will be a comprehensive development leveraging the tourism and cultural potential of Mamallapuram and nearby areas. CMDA's plan will be on regulations," said K Manivasan, tourism, culture and religious endowments department.
The plan proposes a mix of eco-tourism, heritage trails, adventure sports, beachside recreation, and wellness zones. The town will host weekend carnivals, monsoon festivals, and educational camps to ensure tourists keep coming through the year, said an official from the tourism department.
Community-based tourism will be promoted, with local artisans and vendors playing a key role. Inputs from focus groups and tourism stakeholders will shape the final concept.
It will include provisions for climate resilience, waste recycling, solar energy, and plastic-free zones, he added.
The plan also focuses on infrastructure. Roads, sanitation, water supply, signage, and last-mile connectivity will all get a boost.
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The town's streets, public spaces, and beach fronts will be redesigned with landscaping, seating, lighting, parking, and food courts using local, eco-friendly material, the official added.
All development will comply with CRZ, forest, and wildlife regulations. A GIS-based land suitability map will guide permitted uses, while a dedicated destination management framework will ensure long-term monitoring, compliance, and sustainable growth.
"Mamallapuram should be developed like Kovalam's Blue Flag beach — clean, inviting, and ideal for tourists seeking relaxation. Even our street vendors and shops will follow a uniform, hygienic design, blending tradition with comfort," said Valarmathi Y, chairman of the Mamallapuram Town Panchayat.
Padmini Narayanan, former secretary, Travel Agents Association of India, said that Mamallapuram should become a destination that welcomes all types of tourists. "There should be some nightlife too," she added.
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Time of India
2 days ago
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10-year plan to bring the world to Mamallapuram
Chennai: Over the next decade, Mamallapuram will evolve into a full-fledged tourism hub, complete with beach circuits, cultural trails, botanical gardens, and adventure zones, while keeping its ancient stone monuments intact. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The state tourism department has launched a 10-year tourism destination master plan aimed at turning the town into a tourism hub. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has floated a tender to onboard a consultancy firm for the preparation of the plan. The first major changes are expected within 8-12 months of commencement, said officials. "We are envisaging Mamallapuram as an international destination. It will be a comprehensive development leveraging the tourism and cultural potential of Mamallapuram and nearby areas. CMDA's plan will be on regulations," said K Manivasan, tourism, culture and religious endowments department. The plan proposes a mix of eco-tourism, heritage trails, adventure sports, beachside recreation, and wellness zones. The town will host weekend carnivals, monsoon festivals, and educational camps to ensure tourists keep coming through the year, said an official from the tourism department. Community-based tourism will be promoted, with local artisans and vendors playing a key role. Inputs from focus groups and tourism stakeholders will shape the final concept. It will include provisions for climate resilience, waste recycling, solar energy, and plastic-free zones, he added. The plan also focuses on infrastructure. Roads, sanitation, water supply, signage, and last-mile connectivity will all get a boost. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The town's streets, public spaces, and beach fronts will be redesigned with landscaping, seating, lighting, parking, and food courts using local, eco-friendly material, the official added. All development will comply with CRZ, forest, and wildlife regulations. A GIS-based land suitability map will guide permitted uses, while a dedicated destination management framework will ensure long-term monitoring, compliance, and sustainable growth. "Mamallapuram should be developed like Kovalam's Blue Flag beach — clean, inviting, and ideal for tourists seeking relaxation. Even our street vendors and shops will follow a uniform, hygienic design, blending tradition with comfort," said Valarmathi Y, chairman of the Mamallapuram Town Panchayat. Padmini Narayanan, former secretary, Travel Agents Association of India, said that Mamallapuram should become a destination that welcomes all types of tourists. "There should be some nightlife too," she added.
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The ministry takes the final call on the grant or rejection of the final environmental clearance. The FAC, meanwhile, scrutinises proposals for diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes such as development and infrastructure projects, under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. The concerned expert panel, which granted its recommendation for the Puri airport, scrutinises only proposals of airports, waste treatment plants, effluent treatment plants, buildings and constructions, and townships, under provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment notification, 2006. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 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