Centre developing spiritual corridors in Kashi, Ayodhya and Mathura through multiple tourism schemes
New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday said it is undertaking the infrastructure and aesthetic development of the spiritual corridors in Kashi, Ayodhya and Mathura through multiple tourism infrastructure schemes aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience while preserving the cultural and heritage character of the destinations.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the projects have been sanctioned under schemes including PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive), 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).
The Minister said projects are approved based on proposals submitted by the respective state governments and Union Territory administrations, subject to scheme guidelines and the availability of funds.
According to the government, the initiatives are designed to integrate modern visitor amenities while preserving the architectural, cultural and spiritual heritage of these important pilgrimage centres, thereby enhancing the overall experience for devotees and tourists.
The Centre said the upgraded tourism infrastructure is expected to generate socio-economic benefits by increasing tourist footfall, promoting cultural tourism and creating additional livelihood opportunities for local artisans, tourist guides and stakeholders in the hospitality and allied sectors.
The government also emphasised sustainability in the development of the spiritual corridors. States and Union Territories have been encouraged to incorporate eco-friendly infrastructure such as solid waste management systems, sewage treatment facilities, public sanitation, landscaping, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient and solar lighting, and environmentally sustainable mobility solutions as part of the approved projects, the Minister added.
