### Development of New Tourist Attractions in Udaipur Essential: M.L. Lunawat

**Udaipur,* The development of new tourist attractions in Udaipur is crucial to alleviate the pressure on Fateh Sagar and Pichola lakes, suggested Mr. M.L. Lunawat, Chairman of the Tourism Subcommittee, during the meeting.

The meeting of the Tourism and Urban Infrastructure Subcommittee of UCCI was chaired by Mr. Siddharth Chatur and held at Hotel Paras Mahal. The following agenda items were discussed:

1. **Udaipur Airport Upgrade:**
   The state government has acquired 147 hectares of land for Udaipur Airport and transferred it to the Airport Authority of India. A proposal for a customs department office is underway. It was decided to invite the airport director to UCCI for discussions on the necessary infrastructure for international flights and to enhance cargo facilities. This issue will be raised during Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Diya Kumari's visit to Udaipur in the first week of September.

2. **GST:**
   Discussions were held on the lack of credit for inter-state GST on hotel room rent and the need to increase the GST limit from ₹7,500 to ₹18,500. Rationalizing GST rates for restaurants and providing input tax credit were also discussed. UCCI will submit a revised report on these matters.

3. **Eco-Sensitive Zones:**
   The committee decided to discuss the issues related to existing hotels in eco-sensitive zones with the relevant department officials to find solutions.

4. **Groundwater Extraction by Hotels:**
   A proposal was discussed to increase the limit for MSME category hotels from 10,000 liters to 20,000 liters per day for groundwater extraction. UCCI will submit a report to the relevant ministry on this matter.

5. **Great Indian Trade Bazaar:**
   The idea of organizing a Great Indian Trade Bazaar in Udaipur, similar to Jaipur, was discussed. Such events could benefit local tour operators, guides, taxi drivers, and hoteliers during the off-tourist season. The committee will prepare a project report on this initiative.

6. **Development of New Tourist Centers:**
   Discussions were held on developing new tourist attractions in Udaipur, including:
   - Revolving Restaurant
   - Skywalk
   - Water Sports
   - Trekking
   - Eco-Tourism
   - Night Safari

   The possibilities of developing these attractions through public-private partnerships and using the available land bank were also explored.

7. **Conversion of Closed Mines into Tourist Centers:**
   The idea of developing closed mines as tourist attractions was discussed, and Mr. S.K. Khetan was assigned the responsibility of preparing a project report.

8. **Fire NOC:**
   The discussion included the rationalization of Fire NOC fees for MSME and mid-sized hotels. UCCI will submit a report to make the fees more reasonable.

9. **Other Issues Discussed:**
   - Impact of internet shutdowns on the tourism business
   - Tourist Help Centers
   - Prioritization of Udaipur in Rajasthan Tourism Department’s reels
   - Resumption of roadshows by the Rajasthan Tourism Department

The meeting was attended by UCCI President Mr. M.L. Lunawat, Senior Vice President Mr. Manish Galundia, and members Mr. Gajendra Suyal, Mr. Shashikant Khetan, Mr. G.S. Sisodia, Mrs. Shraddha Gattani, Mr. Subhash Singh Ranawat, and Mr. Deepak Bordia.

In conclusion, Mr. Siddharth Chatur thanked all participants.