4 Northeast States included in tourist devp. schemes
SHILLONG: The Ministry of Tourism,in an attempt to focus on integrated development of tourist circuits and destinations around the country, has launched two new schemes namely the Swadesh Darshan for Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits around Specific Themes and National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive or (PRASAD).
The two schemes were launched simultaneously but Meghalaya, despite being a prominent as well as an attractive tourist destination missed to find a place in any of the projects.
Other North Eastern States like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim and Nagaland have managed to secure a place under the Swadesh Darshan project thereby providing a boost to their tourism sector while Meghalaya has missed the bus and failed to bag any project under the aforementioned schemes.
Under the Swadesh Darshan, integrated development of theme based circuits will be taken up in order to provide an engaged and complete tourism experience to both domestic as well as international tourists.
The twelve theme based circuits namely North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit and Ramayana Circuit have been identified for development under the “Swadesh Darshan”.
Under Swadesh Darshan, Bhalukpong-Bomdila-Tawang project has been approved in Arunachal Pradesh at a cost of Rs. 50 crores.
Similarly,Imphal-Moirang-Khongjom at Moreh would be developed as a tourist circuit at an estimated budget of Rs. 89.66 crores.
The National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) on the other hand aims to beautify and improve the amenities and infrastructure facilities at all pilgrimage centers around the country irrespective of faith or religion.