Boosting Buddhist Tourism: New Initiatives Launched
The Indian Ministry of Tourism is ramping up efforts to enhance Buddhist tourism through significant financial support for state governments and Union Territories. Under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes, the government has identified the ‘Buddhist Circuit’ as a key area for development. This initiative aims to improve infrastructure and public amenities at important Buddhist sites, ensuring a better experience for visitors.
Financial Support for Development
The Ministry of Tourism is actively providing financial assistance to state governments and Union Territories to develop Buddhist tourism. This support is part of the central sector schemes, namely ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD). The ‘Buddhist Circuit’ has been specifically earmarked for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. This initiative is designed to enhance the overall experience for tourists visiting significant Buddhist sites across the country.
The projects sanctioned under the Buddhist thematic circuit include various developments aimed at improving accessibility and facilities for pilgrims and tourists. This financial backing is crucial for states to implement projects that will not only attract more visitors but also promote the rich cultural heritage associated with Buddhism in India.
Enhancing Visitor Amenities
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), operating under the Ministry of Culture, plays a vital role in the conservation and preservation of protected monuments, including those of Buddhist significance. The ASI is responsible for providing essential public amenities such as toilets, drinking water, parking, pathways, signage, benches, ramps, and wheelchairs at various monuments. This initiative is part of the Annual Conservation program, which regularly focuses on improving facilities at protected Buddhist sites.
By enhancing visitor amenities, the ASI aims to create a more welcoming environment for tourists. This not only supports the preservation of cultural heritage but also ensures that visitors have a comfortable and enriching experience while exploring these historical sites.
The First Asian Buddhist Summit
In a significant move to foster cultural and religious cooperation among Asian nations, the Ministry of Culture organized the inaugural Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in New Delhi. The summit attracted over 650 delegates, including 130 foreign representatives from 26 Asian countries, diplomats from 12 nations, and 40 monks from both Mahayana and Theravada traditions.
The ABS focused on promoting the Asian spirit of tradition and cultural exchange. It was decided that the summit will be held every alternate year, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among Buddhist communities across Asia. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with neighboring countries through shared cultural and religious values.
Future Projects and Investments
The government is also taking steps to further enhance Buddhist tourism through various projects. Under the PRASHAD scheme, a project for the ‘Development of Pilgrimage Facilitation at Four Patron Saints at Yuksom, Sikkim’ was sanctioned for ₹33.32 crore in the year 2020-21. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance has issued operational guidelines for the Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale, which includes a recently approved project for ‘Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in Shrawasti’ in Uttar Pradesh, costing ₹80.24 crore.
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