Question : DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHIST TOURIST CENTRES

(a) whether the Japan, Taiwan and Korea have envinced interest in helping in the development of facilities and infrastructure in the Buddhist tourist circuits covering Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Kushi Nagar and Pirawa;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government propose to negotiate with Nepal on a joint itinerary covering Kapila Vastu and Lumbini in Nepal, along with Buddhist landmarks in India to attract Buddhist tourists from all those countries; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE

(SHRI ANANTHKUMAR)

(a) & (b): The Government of India entered into a loan agreement with the Overseas Economic Co-operation Fund (OECF) of Japan in December, 1988 for the development of infrastructure facilities along the identified Buddhist travel circuits in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It was agreed that OECF would extend financial assistance to the tune of 7.7 billion Japanese Yen. The major components of the project were strengthening of National Highways, State Highways, landscaping, augmentation of water and electricity supply and provision of wayside amenities, etc. The places covered under the project are Sarnath, Kushinagar, Piparhwa, Sravasti in Uttar Pradesh and Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Rajgir and Vaishali in Bihar. The project has been completed on December 31st, 1998 at the approximate cost of Rs.251.051 crores.

(c) & (d): No proposal in under consideration as yet.