What the Iconic Tourist Sites initiative of India is about?
The Annual Finance Budget this year was much awaited this year. This came during a time then the economy was moving some challenging times. The growth was slowing down and thus a lot was expected from the budget to give the necessary boost to the struggling economic sectors. With the re-election of the Modi Government, the new lady Finance Minister taking charge a lot was expected across all the sectors of the economy. Along with other sectors, the Indian Tourism sector was very expectant of some new initiatives. It is in line with the expectations of the Tourism Sector in India that a new initiative was undertaken. This is the “17 Iconic Tourist initiative”. Let us take a look at this initiative:
The Sites
The Sites which have been included are as follows:
Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh),
Ajanta & Ellora (Maharashtra),
Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar (Delhi),
Colva (Goa), Amer Fort (Rajasthan),
Somnath and Dholavira (Gujarat), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh),
Hampi (Karnataka),
Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu),
Kaziranga (Assam), Kumarakom (Kerala)
Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar)
The main objective of the initiative
The main of the central tourism department Government of India is to ensure the overall development of all the above-mentioned sites. The developmental activities would include roads and infrastructure, hotels and lodges, connectivity and access. For this overall initiative, the various other ministries would be included as well. These include many from the Railways to the Civil Aviation ministry as well. The ministry of Tourism Ministry would be the nodal agency for all. As a part of this central Government initiative in keeping with international standards, interventions in and around the monuments will have elements of universal accessibility, green technology, and enhanced security for tourists. Funding to the tune of Rs 1378 crore has been allocated for this very impressive tourism project by the Government of India.
ASI to play a major role
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) too is likely to play a key role in this mega Central Government project. In the meanwhile, some up-gradation of some of the sites in this project like the Red Fort at Delhi, the Qutub Minar, the Ajanta and Ellora caves have already been underway. This new project will only give a bigger boost to the existing projects.
Thus given all the many initiatives in India we would see that the tourism sector in India would surely come up in a big way. This would in all likelihood meet the international standards.
Tourism Development in West Bengal
It is in line with the steps being undertaken by the Central Government of India, the state Government of West Bengal to have been involved in undertaking major steps to boost the tourism sector in the state. Thankfully West Bengal is a very beautiful state which is endowed with many scenic beauties. As a result of the steps of the state government, many tourist spots like Digha has been at the forefront of all the developmental activities like adventure sports and much more. All these have made Digha even more attractive to tourists.
