<span style="color: #222222;">In Puducherry, the Local Administration is going all out to restore tourism which is the main stake of the Union Territory. The heavy tourist traffic to the Union Territory was reduced following COVID lockdown. The collapse of the iconic port bridge has also added pain to the tourist inflow. The Local Administration has vowed to restore and strengthen the tourist infrastructure in the Union Territory. The Centre has also assured all help for the reconstruction of the collapsed bridge.<br />''<br />''Lieutenant Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan assured that the bridge will be restored under the Sagar Mala Scheme. The Chief Minister has also been firm in bringing Puducherry in the tourist map of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the people of Puducherry that he will make Puducherry Best. Best in Business, Best in Education, Best in Spiritual and Best in Tourism.<br />''<br />''As Puducherry Beach is regarded as scenic beauty, it occupies first place in the tourist's list. The iconic port bridge has huge potential in attracting tourists if it is restored or replaced with a newly constructed one. Similarly, another tourist project that got the Government's attention was the restoration of Kanagan and Bagour Lakes. Former Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi was keen in developing these two spots as a major tourist attraction. Kanagan lake was her pet project. It was beautified through pooling incorporates as part of their CSR Projects. Boating facility in the lake was her dream. However, COVID lockdown and shortage of staff to maintain the lake led to deterioration of the lake's pathway. More funds have now been allocated to restore the scenic beauty of the tourism spots in Puducherry.</span><br />