Question : DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHIST CIRCUITS

(a) whether the Government is aware that Andhra Pradesh has vast potential for promotion of sites linked with Buddhist culture and heritage;

(b) if so, whether the Government of Andhra Pradesh has approached the Union Government or development of Buddhist circuits in the State under the pilgrim tourism programme;

(c) if so, the response of the Union Government thereto;

(d) whether the Union Government proposes to provide any assistance for development of infrastructure and connectivity with the Buddhist site so that these could be developed into a cogent circuit;

(e) if so, the amount of assistance the Government propose to provide; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI JAGMOHAN)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): Govt. of Andhra Pradesh has submitted a proposal for integrated development of Nagarjunasagar under the Buddhist circuit.

(c) to (f): The Department of Tourism, Government of India has sanctioned on 19.9.2003, an amount of Rs.500 lakhs for integrated development of Nagarjunasagar under the Buddhist Circuit.