Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Hanuvantiya island in Khandwa district of the state is similar to the water tourism spot at Sentosa in Singapore.
"I have seen similar water tourism spot at Sentosa in Singapore. Since then I have been dreaming of having a similar thing here and now it has materialised in the form of Hanuvantiya. Beauty is more sprawling here than Sentosa," Chouhan said while inaugurating the second Jal Mahotsava yesterday.
Hanuvantiya is spread in 950 sq km area. The CM lauded efforts of the State Tourism Department for materialising this dream that will catapult Madhya Pradesh to a new height in the tourism sector.
Chouhan also informed that a wider master plan will be chalked out for water tourism in Hanuvantiya area in which Dharaji, Sailani areas including Omkareshwar will be included.
He said, it will be developed as 'Madhyadweep' (Mid- Island)."It will become an international centre for adventure tourism once development work will be completed for the proposed aqua city and water reservoir at Hanuvantiya," he added.
Referring to the recently introduced houseboats at Hanuvantiya, he said it has fulfilled the dream to introduce them in the state. Tourists will enjoy boating in night and stay here. The peaceful environment here makes one feel happy, he added.
The Chief Minister informed that a prominent tourism promotion company is becoming our partner and the entire area of Hanuvantiya including forests will be developed as per the master plan. It will also generate employment for people.
Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (independent charge) Surendra Patwa said, water tourism will be developed at Gandhi Sagar, Ban Sagar, Tawa and other places along with Hanuvantiya.
"Separate tourism cabinet has been constituted as per wishes of the Chief Minister and new investor-friendly tourism policy has been rolled out. Around 300 way side amenities would be developed. Fifty seven of them have already been constructed," he said.
Patwa informed that over eight crore tourists visited the state last year and considering this, facilities for tourists are being increased.
Chairman State Tourism Development Corporation Tapan Bhowmik said the day will be registered in the history as the houseboats will be available for accommodation to tourists from today in the state.
Tourists from more than 40 countries are expected to take part in Jal Mahotsav.
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