E-Paper
Efforts on to lure foreigners
The administrative officials are thrilled at the prospects of erecting a mini-township on the sandy soil of Sangam area. The entire concept of construction will be based on the pattern of Gulf countries.
The administrative officials are thrilled at the prospects of erecting a mini-township on the sandy soil of Sangam area. The entire concept of construction will be based on the pattern of Gulf countries.
Keeping in mind the tremendous inflow of foreign tourists in the city during the Ardh Kumbh fair in January 2007, the officials at a meeting in Lucknow recently took a decision to construct a complex comprising 110 rooms with five-star hotel facilities.
For the purpose, Azam Khan, Urban Development Minister has instructed the divisional commissioner Dr Lalit Verma to visit the Gulf countries in order to get an idea about the construction techniques being employed there for building big complexes on sand.
According to Khan, the similar technique could be employed for permanent constructions in the Sangam area in the city.
However the officials must have to keep in mind the flooding of river banks around Sangam area during monsoon as it would make construction of permanent structures quite uneconomic and a Herculean task.
It may be recalled that during Kumbh fair in 2001 the Mela administration got a metalled road constructed upto the Sangam point for the convenience of visitors. But half of the road was washed away by the swirling currents of Ganga and Yamuna during rainy season. It appeared a wild idea and waste of money.
Sources said the Urban Development Minister is very keen on the construction of permanent structures.
However it has still not been decided if the complex meant for the foreigners will be a permanent or temporary structure. However the entire complex will be very magnificent in which nearly 60 people can sit and dine together. There will be altogether 110 rooms with all the modern facilities.
Attempts are underway to project a better image of the city among the foreigners by providing them various facilities. Separate plans will be chalked out to maintain law and order during the fair for which the State Home Ministry is making special strategies.
Divisional Commissioner Dr Verma has been entrusted with extra responsibilities for the Ardh Kumbh. He will hold review meetings to monitor the progress of work related to Ardh Kumbh and send the progress report to the State Government on bi-monthly basis.
Meanwhile SUDA has been entrusted with the responsibility of constructing a night shelter for 600 people with toilet facilities.
The roads and historical monuments of the city will be specially illuminated to attract the tourists.
