The Centre has given in-principle approval for setting up 8 more floating jetty projects in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to boost tourism in the two states, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways announced today.

Of the four jetty projects cleared for Tamil Nadu, two will come up at Agni Theertham and Villoondi Theertham in Rameshwaram, which is a renowned spiritual place in India. The other two will be installed at Cuddalore and Kanyakumari, both of which are popular tourist resorts.

The four additional projects for Karnataka will be taken up at Thannir Bhavi Church, Bangra Kuluru, Kulur Bridge and Jappina Mogaru NH bridge. This takes the total number of such artificial jetty projects in the state to 11. These projects are located primarily on Gurupura River and Netravati River and will give a fillip to tourism and the Centre has already cleared a 100% grant of Rs 26 crore to set up 7 floating jetties on the two rivers.

The floating jetties provide an alternative solution to India’s over-crowded small harbours used for fishing and tourism related activities. They have multiple applications including marinas, minor harbours, fishing harbours, fish landing centres and waterdromes.

The floating jetties have several advantages over traditional jetties such as being environment friendly, having a longer shelf life and being easily re-configurable.

Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the floating jetties cleared under the Sabarimala programme will provide safer, hassle-free transportation to tourists and lead to the overall development of the coastal community.