The Ministry of Tourism launched the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Scheme in 2014-15 with the objective of rejuvenating pilgrimage and spiritual experience of the tourists through availability of well- planned tourism infrastructure enabling tourist convenience, accessibility, security, cleanliness, experience and revitalize/preserve the soul of the pilgrimage/heritage city through integrated, inclusive, and sustainable developments. Under the Scheme, the Ministry provides financial assistance to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for the development of tourism infrastructure at spiritual sites.

The Ministry of Tourism launched its Swadesh Darshan scheme (SDS) in the year 2014-15 with the objective to augment tourism facilities in the country thereby promoting culture and heritage of the country, enhancing tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner, creating awareness among the local communities about the importance of tourism, etc. Under the scheme financial assistance is provided to the State/UT Administrations/Central Agencies. Further, Ministry of Tourism revamped the Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible destinations.

The Ministry of Tourism has also issued guidelines for ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)’, a sub-scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. This sub-scheme aims for holistic development of destination to enhance tourist experience and the Ministry has identified 42 destinations under CBDD in the country including 'Thanjavur' and 'Rameswaram Island' in Tamil Nadu.

The details of the identified sites/destinations, projects sanctioned, funds sanctioned, allocated and utilised in Tamil Nadu under the above-mentioned schemes are given in the Annexure.

Since the launch of the PRASHAD scheme, the Ministry has sanctioned a total of 48 projects at a cost of Rs.1646.99 crore across the country including two projects in Tamil Nadu.

Moreover, one project “Development of Eight Navagraha Temples Circuit in Tamil Nadu” has been identified for development under the said scheme.

This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

***

BY/SKT

 

ANNEXURE

Details of the Projects Sanctioned Under PRASHAD Scheme in Tamil Nadu

(Rs. in Crore)

 

Details of the Sites Identified Under PRASHAD Scheme in Tamil Nadu

State

Identified Site

Tamil Nadu

Navagriha Temple at 8 places in Tamil Nadu: 1. Sri Kailasanathar Temple, Thingalur, Thanjavur District 2. Guru Bhagvan Temple, Alangudi, Thanjavur District 3. Sri Naaganathar Temple, Thirunageshwaram, Thanjavur District 4. Sri Suryanaar Temple, Thiruvidaimaruthur, SuriyanarKovil, Thanjavur District 5. Sri Agneeswarar Temple, Kanjanur, Thanjavur District 6. Sri Vaitheeshwaran Temple, VaitheeswaranKovil, Mayiladuthurai District  7. Sri NaganathaSwamy Temple, Keelaperumpallam, Mayiladuthurai District 8. Suweathaaranyshwarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu, Mayiladuthurai District

 

Details of the Projects Sanctioned Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Tamil Nadu

      (Rs. in Crore)

State	Circuit Name/Year	Name of Project	Amount Sanctioned	Amount Released	Amount Utilized
Tamil Nadu	Coastal Circuit 2016-17	Development of (Chennai- Mamamallapuram – Rameshwaram – Manpadu – Kanyakumari)	73.13	71.03	71.03

 

List of Projects Sanctioned Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme of Ministry of Tourism

State	Destination	Name of the Experience	Sanctioned Cost (₹ Crore)	Date of Sanction
Tamil Nadu	Mamallapuram	Immersive experience at Shore Temple	30.02	29-02-2024

 

The List of Identified Destinations Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme of Ministry of Tourism

States	Destinations Selected/Identified
Tamil Nadu	Mamallapuram, The Nilgiris

(Release ID: 2083798) Visitor Counter : 767