(a) whether the religious sites in Uttarakhand have been linked to any spiritual circuit and if so, the details thereof;
(b) if not, the time by which various religious sites in Uttarakhand are likely to be linked to the religious circuits; and
(c) the other steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Union Government to promote religious tourism in Uttarakhand?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the table of the House.
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STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.†*302 ANSWERED ON 16.03.2020 REGARDING RELIGIOUS SITES IN UTTARAKHAND.
(a) and (b): Ministry of Tourism under its schemes viz. “Integrated development of Theme Based Tourist Circuits- Swadesh Darshan” and “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) provides financial Assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations for development of tourism infrastructure and facilities in the country including Uttarakhand.
Submission of project proposals by the State Governments/UT Administrations under the above schemes is a continuous process. The projects under the schemes 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.
Based on the above criteria, Ministry has sanctioned following projects in Uttarakhand covering the religious sites:
<pre>
S.
No. Scheme Circuit/Year Name of Project Amount sanctioned
(Rs. in crore)
01 Swadesh Darshan Heritage/
2016-17 Development of Kumaon Region – Katarmal –Jogeshwar -Baijnath-Devidhura 79.13
02 PRASHAD 2015-16 Integrated Development of Kedarnath 34.78
03 PRASHAD 2018-19 Development of Badrinath Ji Dham 39.24
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(c): Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination under the Incredible India brand-line. As part of its on-going activities, the Ministry annually releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country, including religious sites of Uttarakhand. In addition, the Indiatourism Offices in India and overseas disseminate information and undertake various promotional activities with the objective of showcasing the varied tourist destinations and products of the country.
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