Question : Development of Buddhist Circuit

(a) whether the Government has formulated/proposes to formulate any plan for development of Buddhist circuit and heritage tourist places and cities related to Lord Buddha under Swadesh Darshan Scheme and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the details of Buddhist sites in the country and the steps taken for the development and promotion of these sites along with funds/grants allocated therefor during the last three years, State-wise;
(c) whether Buddhist circuit development project is under consideration of the Government along with the criteria for selecting tourist centres sites under the project;
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the time limit fixed for the development of Buddhist circuit; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to develop Buddhist circuit by including Buddhist sites in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh in the said circuit and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)

(a) to (e): The Ministry of Tourism under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme has identified Buddhist circuit as one of the thematic circuits for development in the country. All sites in the country associated with Buddhism are covered under this circuit.

The projects under the scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/UT 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 above criteria, Ministry has sanctioned following projects under Buddhist Circuit theme:
(Rs. in Crore)
<pre>
S.
No. State/ Sanction Year Project Name Amt. Sanctioned
1. Madhya Pradesh
2016-17 Development of Buddhist Circuit in Sanchi- Satna- Rewa- Mandsaur- Dhar 74.94
2. Uttar Pradesh
2016-17 Development of Buddhist Circuit: Srawasti- Kushinagar- Kapilvastu 99.97

3. Bihar
2016-17 Construction of Convention Centre adjacent to Maya Sarovar on the western side at Bodhgaya 98.73
4. Gujarat
2017-18
Development of Buddhist circuit: Junagadh- Gir- Somnath- Bharuch-Kutch- Bhavnagar- Rajkot- Mehsana 35.99
5. Andhra Pradesh
2017-18
Development of Buddhist Circuit: Shalihundam- Thotlakonda- Bavikonda- Bojjanakonda- Amravati- Anupu 52.34
Total 361.97
</pre>

All the above projects are at various stages of implementation.

In addition to above, Ministry undertakes several promotional activities in the domestic and international markets for promotion of the varied tourism products and destinations of the country including Buddhist Heritage Sites and Circuits. The Ministry produces publicity material and collaterals in English and foreign languages for domestic and international markets; media campaigns in the print and electronic media are undertaken in the domestic and international markets; familiarisation tours for trade, media and opinion makers are undertaken from overseas to Buddhist Sites and Circuits in the country under the Hospitality Scheme of the Ministry. Ministry is in the process of printing a map and thematic film on Buddhist sites in the country.

With the objective of showcasing Buddhist heritage and pilgrim sites of India and give wide publicity to the core Buddhist circuits to create awareness of Buddhist heritage in the country Ministry of Tourism organizes International Conclave on Buddhism every alternate year which is attended by Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Media Representatives, Scholars, Monks from all over the world. Ministry is organising International Buddhist Conclave in India from 23rd to 26th August, 2018.

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