Question : Renovation of Buddhist Sites of Uttar Pradesh

(a) whether the Government is aware that the Buddhist Dhamma in village Majhia under Baduan Parliamentary Constituency in Uttar Pradesh that bears the evidence of the founder and patron of Buddhism, Lord Tathagat Buddha and is corroborated by the history is today in a dilapidated condition as its remnants;
(b) whether there is any scheme for beautification of the said place in order to promote tourism and bring it on the world tourism map;
(c) whether the Government proposes to renovate one of the important Buddhist sites of Uttar Pradesh located at Sankisa (district Farrukhabad), a famous Buddhist pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees visit the place every day and which is presently in a shambles;
(d) whether the Government proposes to connect it with main route besides ensuring availability of potable water, accommodation and facility of Sulabh toilets for pilgrims; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) to (e): Ministry of Tourism has identified Buddhist Circuit as one of the fifteen thematic circuits for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. All sites in the country related to Buddhism including the ones in Uttar Pradesh are covered under this Circuit.
The projects under the scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier.

The Ministry has sanctioned a project for Development of Buddhist Circuit: Srawasti, Kushinagar, & Kapilwastu in Uttar Pradesh under the Buddhist Circuit theme in the year 2016-17 for Rs.99.97 crore.

The State Government of Uttar Pradesh has informed that they have carried out works related to development of toilet blocks, canopy, submersible pumps, footpath, parking, horticulture, railing and benches etc. for Rs.104.96 lakhs during 2016-17 and 2017-18 at Majhia in Baduan District.

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