Question : COMMONWEALTH GAMES, 2010

(a) whether the Government has set the target for tourist accommodation in Delhi for the ensuing Commonwealth Games, 2010;

(b) if so, the expected availability of rooms including the rooms available under the Bed & Breakfast Scheme alongwith the rates charges for each room;

(c) whether the Government proposes to take assistance of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to make tourist place attractive;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be done;

(e) whether the Government proposes reduction in entrance charges to monument for tourists during Commonwealth Games, 2010; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)

(a) & (b): The Ministry of Tourism has assessed that approximately 40,000 rooms would be required in the National Capital Region of Delhi to meet the demand of the visitors coming for the Commonwealth Games, Delhi, 2010.

A ‘Task Force’ has accordingly been constituted in the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) to monitor the position of accommodation for the Games on a regular basis and MOT is coordinating with various land owning agencies viz. Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for expeditious completion of the ongoing new hotel projects for the Games.

(c) & (d): Development, promotion & maintenance of tourist places is primarily the responsibility of the State Government / Union Territory Administrations. As informed by Tourism Department Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, at present, there is no proposal before them for taking assistance of Non-Governmental Organisations.

(e) & (f): At present, there is no proposal with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for reduction of entrance charges for ASI monuments during the Commonwealth Games, Delhi – 2010.