Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The infrastructural and aesthetic development of the spiritual corridors in Kashi, Ayodhya and Mathura has been undertaken through tourism infrastructure projects sanctioned under various schemes of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, including Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA) and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
Schemes Driving Development
– Projects sanctioned under multiple Ministry of Tourism initiatives:
– PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive)
– Swadesh Darshan & Swadesh Darshan 2.0
– Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)
– Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA)
– Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)
– Sanctioned based on proposals from State Governments/UTs, subject to guidelines and funding availability.
Kashi (Varanasi):
– Phase I & II development.
– River Cruise Tourism on the Ganga.
– Illumination of monuments/heritage sites: Dashashwamedh Ghat–Darbhanga Ghat, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Sarnath Museum, Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Tomb of Lal Khan, Man Mahal.
Ayodhya:
– Development of the Ramayana Circuit.
Mathura–Vrindavan:
– Tourist Facilitation Centre construction.
– Development as a Mega Tourist Circuit.
– Infrastructure upgrades at Govardhan.
Socio-Economic Impact
– Boosts cultural tourism and increases footfall.
– Creates livelihood opportunities for local artisans, guides, hospitality workers.
– Enhances visitor amenities while preserving heritage character.
Sustainability Measures
– Solid waste management, sewage treatment, public sanitation.
– Landscaping, plantation, rainwater harvesting.
– Energy-efficient and solar lighting.
– Eco-friendly mobility solutions.
Significance
These projects aim to blend modern infrastructure with heritage preservation, ensuring that spiritual corridors like Kashi, Ayodhya, and Mathura become world-class pilgrimage destinations while supporting local communities and sustainable practices.
