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Gandhi sites to get facelift for tourism

In an effort to attract more visitors, India's tourism ministry has plans to develop places associated with Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and the saint Adi Sankara, Union Tourism Minister Jagmohan told reporters in London on Tuesday. "We are developing Gandhi Yatra, Vivekananda Yatra, and Sankaracharya Yatra," he said.

Talking about the government's new tourism agenda at the World Travel Mart 2002, Jagmohan said Gandhi's birthplace Porbandar, the Aga Khan Palace in Pune where he was imprisoned, and his memorial at Rajghat will be developed as part of the Gandhi Yatra. Places like the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Sewagram Ashram in Wardha, August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai and Mandir Marg in Delhi will also get a facelift.

Other places like Kanyakumari, Kalindi, Belur Mutt, Dakshineswar and Goa associated with Swami Vivekananda and Adi Sankara will be revamped, he said.

The government has also identified a 'world heritage tourism corridor', declared by UNESCO. Covering heritage sites in Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Sanchi, Ajanta-Ellora and the Elephanta Caves, this corridor encompasses all 10 sites from Delhi to Mumbai in one tour.

Referring to India's new tourism agenda, Jagmohan said, "Diversity, sustainability, environmental sensitivity, modernity, and cultural heritage are the main words in India's new policy."

He emphasised that the government had already improved some areas like the Ajanta and Ellora caves by restoring the ancient paintings and carvings and opening new facilities.

A fleet of environment-friendly, battery-operated buses are transporting tourists from parking areas to these heritage sites. "All our future projects will focus on eco-tourism and the maintenance of the historical values of these heritage sites," he added.

These new initiatives aimed at increasing tourism to India are based on a five-fold increase in the budgetary allocation for the tourism sector under the new policy. "India has been working hard on branding the country. Tour operators can use the brand to market their packages. It will be easy for foreigners to identify with India once the country becomes a known brand," Jagmohan asserted.

PTI

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