Pondicherry: The Pondicherry Tourism and Transport Development Corporation and the District Industries Centre have jointly proposed to set up an arts and crafts village (on 2 hectares) and other related projects like a rural museum, convention centre, theme/amusement park, resort/cottage and a cruise (in 4 hectares) in Murungapakkam village.

The projects are planned to be set up on the riverside area, which is in the vicinity of the Arikamedu Archaeological site. The tourism department has called for the expression of interest (EoI) from consultants for preparing the project reports.

According to the tourism department the proposed projects will have to be designed in an integrated manner to reflect the archaeological and cultural values of the area. The report should cover the essential requirements for a craft village, innovative methods and various special financial vehicles to finance and sustain the projects.