Rameswaram: Stating that there was no controversy as far as the land for Dr Kalam memorial is concerned, the Union minister Venkaiah Naidu requested people not to politicise the issue.
Speaking to reporters after laying the foundation stone at T Pei Karumbu in Rameswaram on Wednesday, he said that the State and Central governments have identified the land. “We will build world class memorial with all facilities” he said. He also urged the political parties, particularly the opposition Congress, not to create hurdle while passing the GST bill.
When reporters asked the Defence minister Manohar Parrikar about some objects of the missing aircraft AN-32 having been found during the search operations, he said, “We have found some floating objects. But no confirmation as of now. But we have deployed our search services in full swing,” he said.
Rameswaram included under Amrut for Kalam
Keeping in view the historic significance of Rameswaram and the fact that this town is a part of the life of such a great man in Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Central government has approved expenses on infrastructure facilities of this holy town at a cost of Rs 45 crore.
Addressing the huge gathering after laying the Foundation Stone for the Kalam memorial, Mr Venkaiah Naidu said that the twin words of ‘Kasi’ and ‘Rameswaram’ have a huge significance for the cultural legacy of our country. It would be the dream of millions of our countrymen to visit both these historic cities at least once as a fulfilment of their lives,” he said, adding that it is also the land which was the karmabhoomi of Dr Abdul Kalam.
The Central Government has included this town in the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut) by relaxing the norm of eligibility. “While cities with a population of one lakh and above are included in Amrut this town has a population of only about 45,000, but the Prime Minister Modi included it in Amrut as a tribute to Dr Kalam,” he pointed out.
Stating that the ministry has approved projects with an investment of about '48 crores for Rameswaram under Amrut Naidu said the sewerage networks would be improved at a cost of Rs 45 crore. “To facilitate the tourists visiting from various part of the country, we will also set up a park at the cost of Rs 3 lakh,” he said.
