In order to increase the aesthetic value of the Rock Garden, Secretary (Tourism) Ram Niwas today approved a budget to the tune of lakhs of rupees for its facelift, besides bringing in certain new tourist attractions. In a meeting chaired by Niwas, it was decided to install certain low height sculptures in the Rock Garden.

An amount of Rs 43 lakh was also sanctioned for the installation of equipment to maintain the waterfalls. Another Rs 6.58 lakh has been set aside for the repair and replacement of flooring at various places while Rs 3 lakh was approved to provide railings in front of the soundproof hall, a welded mesh in front of the laughing mirror and gates for the safety of the visitors.

Meanwhile, Rs 31.27 lakh was sanctioned to make human-size statues to enhance the third phase of the Rock Garden. Outsourcing of staff has also been approved for the better upkeep and maintenance of the aquarium.

Further, an amount of Rs 9.38 lakh has been approved to raise the height of boundary wall near the soundproof hall in the second phase of the garden.

To cope up the quantum of daily work, Rs 7 lakh per year has been sanctioned for engaging skilled or unskilled workers on contract basis.

Approval has also been given for the workshop and hospitality expenditure of Rs 15,000 for foreign participants and a sum of Rs 65 lakh was agrred upon for the construction of a hall for conducting workshops and an office in the third phase of the Rock Garden; besides allocating Rs 10 lakh for the improvement and renovation of various parts of the garden.

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