Question : Development of Ancient Sites at Abu Road

(a) whether the Government proposes to develop remote villages and small and medium cities as tourist destinations and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the name of the tourist destinations in Latur district of Maharashtra proposed to be developed;
(c) whether the Government proposes to develop ancient sites at Abu Road, Rajasthan as tourist destinations;
(d) whether the remains of old civilizations have been found during excavation at Abu Road including the information about lifestyle at that time but tourists are not able to reach there due to lack of information about historical significance of Chandravati; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government for its publicity?

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

(a) to (c): Identification, development and promotion of tourism destinations is primarily the responsibility of State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. However, Ministry of Tourism under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Schemes is developing tourism infrastructure in the identified circuits/sites/villages, across the country, having tourism potential in a planned and prioritized manner.
The projects under the above schemes are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations. No project has been received from respective State Governments for the development of Latur district of Maharashtra and Abu Road in Rajasthan.

(d): Chandravati near Abu Road is a State protected archaeological site in Rajasthan. The Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Rajasthan has informed that the remains of old civilization have been found which belong to the Parmar rulers of Chandravati (9th to 14th century). It has also been informed that an enormous entrance gate has been constructed at the entry/arrival of the Chandravati Village which is visible from the National Highway.

(e): The Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination including archaeological sites of the country as part of its on-going activities under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote tourism products and destinations of the country. The State Government has informed that the information on Chandravati is included in the brochure on Mount Abu prepared by the State Government.

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