Kochi/Lakshadweep, May 29 (Reporter) India's first eco-friendly Tourism Water Villa Projects are being developed in Union Territory of Lakshadweep at an estimated cost of Rs 810 crore, an official said on Thursday. "The three eco-friendly tourism Water Villa Projects are being developed in consultation with NITI Aayog in Minicoy, Kadmat and Suheli. This will be the first of its kind project in India, Administrator of Union Territory of Lakshadweep Praful Patel told UNI. "The water villa projects for Kadmat and Suheli have been awarded to a leading hospitality group. With this, tourism will gain a new dimension, and tourists will have facilities for accommodation and entertainment, while local people will have new opportunities for employment and business," Patel said. "Considering the tourism potential of Lakshadweep, UTLA has initiated cruise liner operations. A cruise operates on a weekly basis on the Mumbai- Kochi- Agatti and Mumbai - Agatti sectors. Another cruise liner has visited Thinnakara and Cheriyam Islands," he said. As part of augmenting tourist accommodation in the islands, UTLA has issued Letters of Award for setting up of 3 Tent Cities at Thinnakara, and Bangaram. Fifty tents in Bangaram were inaugurated by the Vice President of India on January 18 last and have commenced operations. Additionally, work has been awarded for the development of Paradise Hut in Kavaratti with 90 keys, aimed at promoting the location as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding destination...////...