The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned four new projects worth Rs 190.46 Crores under the tourism infrastructure development schemes, Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive) schemes in the states of Meghalaya, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
Under North East Circuit of Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Ministry has sanctioned the project ‘Development of West Khasi Hills (Nongkhlaw- Krem Tirot – Khudoi & Kohmang Falls – Khri River- Mawthadraishan, Shillong), Jaintia Hills (Krang Suri Falls- Shyrmang- Iooksi), Garo Hills (Nokrek Reserve, Katta Beel, Siju Caves)’ in Meghalaya for Rs 84.95 crore.
Siju Caves, Meghalaya
The above project focuses on development of lesser known destinations in Meghalaya in above Districts. Through this project the Ministry will be developing facilities like Festival Grounds, Tourist Facilitation Center, Last Mile Connectivity, Public Conveniences, Cable Suspension Bridge, Cafeteria, Trekking Routes, Boating Facilities, Illumination, Solid Waste Management, Drinking Water Facility, Caving Facilities, Visitor Centers, Adventure Sports Activities etc. in the state.
Development of Gorakhnath Temple (Gorakhpur), Devipattan Temple (Balrampur) and Vatvashni Temple (Domariyagunj) has also been sanctioned for Rs 21.16 Crores under Spiritual Circuit of Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The facilities being developed under this project includes Tourist Facilitation Center, Toilet Blocks, Pathways, Shelters, Landscaping, Gazebos, Illumination, CCTV Camera, Benches, Dustbins, Informative and Directional Signage etc.
Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
Under the PRASAD scheme, the Ministry has sanctioned the project ‘Development of Govardhan’ in District Mathura in Uttar Pradesh for Rs 39.74 Crores. The sites taken up for development in the project include Govardhan Parikrama Marg, Kusum Sarovar, Chandra Sarovar and Manasi Ganga. The facilities like development of Bus Stand, Toilets, Illumination of Ghats, Parking, Pathways, Landscaping and Beautification, PA system, Benches, Toilets etc. being developed under the project.
Chandra Sarovar, Uttar Pradesh
The Ministry has also sanctioned the project ‘Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath – Phase II’ for Rs 44.59 Crores under the PRASAD scheme. The facilities being developed under the project includes Development of pathways, seating arrangement, Drinking Water Facilities., lighting and illumination, Solid Waste Management etc.
Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the schemes of Swadesh Darshan – Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits and PRASAD-Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive- in the year 2014-15 for the development of tourism infrastructure with emphasis to spiritual and cultural centers in the country.
