(a) whether any task force was constituted in 1998 for the development of Buddhist places;
(b) if so, the number and names of places identified for development, State-wise; and
(c) the name of places developed so far, State-wise?
(a) whether any task force was constituted in 1998 for the development of Buddhist places;
(b) if so, the number and names of places identified for development, State-wise; and
(c) the name of places developed so far, State-wise?
MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI ANANTHKUMAR)
(a) & (b): No Task Force was constituted in 1998 for the development of Buddhist places. However, the
Department of Tourism had constituted two Task Forces in 1986 & 1987 which identified 62 centres for
development.
Uttar Pradesh : Sarnath, Kushinagar, Piparhawa, Sravasti and Sankasia. Bihar : Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Rajgir and Vaishali. Andhra Pradesh : Nagarjunakonda, Amaravati, Chandavaram, Guntupalli, Sankaram, Salihundam, Jaggayyapeta, Bhattiprolu, Ramatirtham, Ghantasala, Phanigiri, Nelakondapalli, Bavikonda, Mangamaripeta. Arunachal Pra. : Tawang Himachal Pra. : Rawalsar, Tabo, Tashijong, Kye, Kardang, Guru Ghantal, Mcleodganj, Bir, Triloknath, Chango. Jammu & Kashmir : Hemis, Lamayuru, Mullbek, Alchi, Sani, Rangdum, Phugtal, Karsha Madhya Pradesh : Sanchi Maharashtra : Kanheri, Bedsa, Karla, Bhaja, Ellora, Ajanta, Aurangabad, Pitalkhora. Orissa : Udaigir, Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Dhauli Punjab : Sanghol. Rajasthan : Kolvi, Binnayaga Sikkim : Pemayangtse, Rumtek, Phodong Tamil Nadu : Kaveripattinam.(c): The Government of India has developed the Buddhist Circuit of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar & Ajanta and Ellora with the assistance of Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund(OECF) loan from Japan. In addition, the Department of Tourism in consultation with the State Government/Union Territory Governments has also provided Central Financial Assistance for projects for development of tourism infrastructure at the following Buddhist places in the country:-
Uttar Pradesh : Piprahawa, Sarnath, Sravasti, Kushinagar Bihar : Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Rajgir & Vaishali Madhya Pradesh : Sanchi Sikkim : Lachung, Phodong, Pamayantse and Tashiding Andhra Pradesh : Nagarjunasagar Arunachal Pra. : Tawang Monastery, Tawang Orissa : Dhauli, Lalitgiri, Udaigiri & Ratnagiri Maharashtra : Ajanta & Ellora & Karla Jammu & Kashmir : Hemis & Pethub Monasteries and Choglamser in Leh Himachal Pradesh: Tabo/Kaza, Rawalsar and Mcleodganj.