DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRITUAL CORRIDORS

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Tourism is undertaking infrastructural and aesthetic development of spiritual corridors in Kashi, Ayodhya, and Mathura.
• Projects are sanctioned under various schemes including PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, CBDD, ACA, and SASCI.
• The initiative aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience by integrating modern amenities while preserving cultural heritage.
• Specific works include development of Varanasi, Ramayana Circuit in Ayodhya, and a Mega Tourist Circuit in Mathura-Vrindavan.

Detailed Insights:

• The development projects are designed to generate positive socio-economic outcomes by promoting cultural tourism and increasing tourist footfall.
• They also aim to create additional livelihood opportunities for local artisans, tourist guides, and stakeholders in hospitality.
• The Ministry encourages States/UTs to incorporate sustainable components like solid waste management, sewage treatment, and solar lighting.
• Projects are sanctioned based on proposals received from State Governments/UT Administrations, adhering to scheme guidelines and fund availability.
• In Kashi, works include Varanasi development (Phase I & II), river cruise tourism, and illumination of monuments like Dashashwamedh Ghat and Sarnath Museum.
• For Mathura-Vrindavan, a Tourist Facilitation Centre and infrastructure facilities at Govardhan are being developed.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PRASHAD Scheme: A Ministry of Tourism scheme focused on holistic development of pilgrimage sites to provide a complete religious tourism experience.
• Swadesh Darshan Scheme: A Ministry of Tourism scheme for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
• Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme: An upgraded version of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, focusing on sustainable and responsible tourism development.
• Ramayana Circuit: A thematic tourist circuit under the Swadesh Darshan scheme connecting sites associated with the epic Ramayana.