The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has identified significant planning and implementation deficiencies in 33 tourism infrastructure projects sanctioned without mandatory feasibility or technical studies. The projects had an estimated cost of ₹187.06 crore, of which ₹51.55 crore had already been spent, according to the audit report.
The audit found that eight projects had either not commenced or been abandoned, 11 remained incomplete, and 14 were lying idle or were not being utilised despite completion. The findings highlight concerns regarding project viability, site selection, stakeholder consultation and the availability of necessary clearances before administrative approval.
The Adventure Park project at Payyambalam Beach in Kannur was cited as an example. Approved in December 2018 at a cost of nearly ₹1 crore to develop zip-lining facilities, the project was abandoned after an expenditure of ₹51 lakh.
The CAG conducted a detailed examination of 181 tourism infrastructure projects estimated at ₹1,319.59 crore, selected from a total of 642 projects costing ₹1,847.43 crore. The audit covered project planning, execution, monitoring and post-completion operations under the Tourism Department for the financial years 2021–22 to 2023–24.
The findings underscore the importance of conducting proper feasibility assessments, securing required clearances and establishing effective monitoring mechanisms before approving public infrastructure expenditure.CASansaar