Question : Development of New Places of Tourist Interest

(a) whether the Government proposes to develop new places of tourist interest across the country and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise including Rajasthan;
(b) whether the Government has received proposals of developing Kalibangan civilization of Mohenjodaro and the mausoleum of Layla and Majnu as places of tourists interest from the Government of Rajasthan;
(c) if so, the details and the present status thereof; and
(d) whether the Government proposes to develop more places of tourist interest in the bordering areas of the country in future, so as to boost tourism along with a view to ameliorate improve the standard of the people living therein and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (d): Identification and development of tourism sites is primarily the responsibility of State Governments/Union Territories. However, the Ministry of Tourism under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD and Assistance to Central Agencies provides financial assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations/Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country including Border areas.

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 funds to the tune of Rs.43.37 lakh for development of Kalibanga under the project “Development of Heritage Circuit in Rajsamand- Jaipur- Alwar- Sawai Madhopur- Jhalawar- Chittorgarh- Jaisalmer- Hanumangarh- Jalore- Udaipur- Dholpur- Nagaur in Rajasthan under Swadesh Darshan Scheme”. The Ministry has not received any proposal from the Government of Rajasthan for development of mausoleum of Layla and Majnu.

The Ministry under Swadesh Darshan Scheme has sanctioned project for development of tourist facilities at the Suchetgarh and Karnah Border in J&K, Akhoora Border in Tripura and Hussainiwala Border in Punjab.


*********