Revitalizing Spiritual Tourism in India: PRASAD
The Indian Ministry of Tourism has been proactive in enhancing the country’s spiritual and pilgrimage tourism. Launched in 2014-15, the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Scheme aims to improve the overall experience of tourists visiting spiritual sites. This initiative focuses on developing well-planned tourism infrastructure that ensures convenience, accessibility, security, and cleanliness. The goal is to preserve the essence of pilgrimage and heritage cities through sustainable and inclusive development. The Ministry provides financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations for this purpose.
In addition to PRASAD, the Ministry also introduced the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) in the same year. This scheme aims to enhance tourism facilities across the country while promoting India’s rich culture and heritage. It seeks to create awareness among local communities about the importance of tourism. The Swadesh Darshan scheme has since been revamped into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), focusing on developing sustainable and responsible tourist destinations.
Objectives of the PRASAD Scheme
The PRASAD Scheme is designed to rejuvenate the pilgrimage experience for tourists. It emphasizes the development of infrastructure that enhances tourist convenience and accessibility. The Ministry of Tourism aims to ensure that spiritual sites are not only accessible but also secure and clean. By focusing on integrated and sustainable development, the scheme seeks to revitalize the cultural and spiritual essence of pilgrimage cities.
Under the PRASAD Scheme, the Ministry has sanctioned a total of 48 projects across India, amounting to approximately ₹1,646.99 crore. This includes two significant projects in Tamil Nadu. One of the notable initiatives is the development of the “Eight Navagraha Temples Circuit” in Tamil Nadu. This project aims to enhance the spiritual experience for visitors while preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
The Ministry’s commitment to improving pilgrimage tourism is evident in its financial support to state governments. This assistance is crucial for developing the necessary infrastructure that can accommodate the growing number of tourists visiting these spiritual sites.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme and Its Revamp
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched to promote tourism in a manner that respects and showcases India’s diverse culture and heritage. The initiative aims to enhance tourist attractiveness while ensuring sustainable practices. The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to state and Union Territory administrations to develop tourism circuits that highlight the unique cultural aspects of each region.
In 2021, the Ministry revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme into Swadesh Darshan 2.0. This updated version focuses on creating responsible and sustainable tourist destinations. The new guidelines include a sub-scheme called Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD). This sub-scheme aims for holistic development of identified destinations to enhance the overall tourist experience.
The Ministry has identified 42 destinations under the CBDD initiative, including significant sites like Thanjavur and Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu. These locations are set to benefit from the integrated development approach, which will enhance their appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
Financial Assistance and Project Implementation
The Ministry of Tourism plays a vital role in funding various projects under both the PRASAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes. Financial assistance is provided to state governments and Union Territory administrations to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is developed. This includes facilities such as roads, accommodation, and amenities that enhance the overall tourist experience.
In Tamil Nadu, several projects have been sanctioned under these schemes. The development of the Eight Navagraha Temples Circuit is one of the key projects aimed at promoting spiritual tourism in the state. Additionally, the Coastal Circuit project, which includes destinations like Chennai, Mamallapuram, and Kanyakumari, has received significant funding.
The Ministry’s efforts in allocating funds and overseeing project implementation are crucial for the success of these initiatives. By ensuring that financial resources are utilized effectively, the Ministry aims to create a robust tourism infrastructure that can support the growing number of spiritual tourists in India.
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