The infrastructural and aesthetic development of the spiritual corridors in Kashi, Ayodhya and Mathura has been undertaken through tourism infrastructure projects sanctioned under various schemes of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, including Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA) and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). These projects are sanctioned based on proposals received from the respective State Governments/ UT Administrations, subject to the prescribed scheme guidelines and availability of funds. The details of progress made in the development of these spiritual corridors are at Annexure.

The projects have been designed to integrate modern visitor amenities while preserving the cultural, architectural and heritage character of these important spiritual destinations, thereby enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.

The tourism infrastructure developed under these schemes is also expected to generate positive socio-economic outcomes by promoting cultural tourism, increasing tourist footfall and creating additional livelihood opportunities for local artisans, tourist guides, and stakeholders in the hospitality and allied sectors.

 Further, to promote cleanliness, environmental sustainability and ecological balance around heavily visited heritage sites, the Ministry encourages States/UTs to incorporate sustainable components in the sanctioned projects, including solid waste management systems, sewage treatment facilities, public sanitation infrastructure, landscaping and plantation, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient and solar lighting systems, eco-friendly mobility solutions and other environmentally responsible measures.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra    Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

***

M Annadurai         

ANNEXURE

THE DETAILS OF PROGRESS MADE IN INFRASTRUCTURAL AND AESTHETIC DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRITUAL CORRIDORS IN KASHI, AYODHYA AND MATHURA

SL. NO.	NAME OF SPIRITUAL CORRIDOR	DETAILS OF WORKS CARRIED OUT
1.	Kashi (Varanasi)	The development of Varanasi (Phase I & II).   Development of River Cruise Tourism on the Ganga.    Illumination of monuments and heritage sites including Dashashwamedh Ghat to Darbhanga Ghat, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Sarnath Museum, Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Tomb of Lal Khan and Man Mahal.
2.	Ayodhya	The Ramayana Circuit development.
3.	Mathura–Vrindavan	Construction of Tourist Facilitation Centre.   Development of the Mathura–Vrindavan as a Mega Tourist Circuit.   Development of infrastructure facilities at Govardhan.

*****

(Release ID: 2288289) Visitor Counter : 553