A lighthouse off the Mumbai coast is soon going to become another tourist attraction in the island city. The Central government has decided to develop the Kanhoji Angre lighthouse as part of their programme that aims to develop around 15 lighthouses across the country. Union tourism minister K. Chiranjeevi, along with minister of state for shipping Milind Deora, announced it on Saturday. Speaking on the ministries’ plans, Mr Chiranjeevi said that his ministry has agreed to extend financial assistance for the development of lighthouses as tourist spots, and that three lighthouses have been chosen as pilot projects. “In the first phase, the Kanhoji Angre lighthouse near Mumbai, the lighthouse located at the Dolphin Nose Point in Visakhapatnam and the Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) near Chennai are being developed as pilot projects. Of these, Kanhoji Angre lighthouse is the only one located in the middle of the sea,” said the tourism minister. The ministries are of the opinion that the development of such lighthouses would not only protect national heritage, but also help in developing interest in the maritime history among the youth. Sharing details about the development of the lighthouse, Mr Deora said that the development of these new destinations would be carried out in an eco-friendly manner. “This includes conservation of lighthouse and viewing gallery, conservation of fort wall, tent style accommodation, construction of jetty, passenger terminal and electrification through solar power system,” Mr Deora said.
