KJ Alphons
Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons Photo: Mathrubhumi English

The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned two new projects under heritage and northeast circuits of swadesh darshan scheme for Rs. 164.95 Crores in Punjab and Tripura.

Under heritage circuit in the state of Punjab, the project covers sites of Anandpur Sahib – Fatehgarh Sahib – Chamkaur Sahib – Ferozpur – Amritsar – Khatkar Kalan – Kalanour – Patiala at the cost of Rs. 99.95 crores.

The project includes development of  Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar for Rs. 8 Crores, development of Tourist Infrastructure and Heritage Path at Anandpur Sahib for Rs. 28.99 crores, development of tourist infrastructure at Fatehgarh Sahib covering sites of Samadhi of Shahid Uddham Singhji, Jajah Haveli of Divan Todar Mal, Mir Miran Tomb, Sadna Kasai Tomb etc for Rs. 19.20 crores, development of Chamkaur Sahib for Rs. 13.99 crores, development of Hussainiwala Border in Ferozepur for Rs. 8.00 Crores, development of Khatkar Kalan, Kalanaour and Patiala for Rs. 17 Crores.

The facilities being developed include Virtual Reality Shows (Jallianwala and Hussainiwala Border), beautification and landscaping, interpretation centres, façade development, wayside amenities, parking, CCTV and Wi-Fi facilities, cafeterias, open air theatre, drinking water facility etc.

Under northeast circuit in Tripura, the sites of Surma Cherra- Unakoti- Jampui Hills- Gunabati-Bhunaneshwari- Matabari-   Neermahal- Boxanagar- Chotta khola- Pilak- Avangchaarra are covered with total project cost of Rs. 65 Crores.

The project envisaged infrastructural development of the sites with special emphasis on developing an interpretation centre, tourist visitor centres, cafeteria, last mile connectivity, Illumination of sites and monuments, wayside amenities, floating jetties, camping grounds, parking facilities, adventure activities, ghat development at above sites.

Pinaki Das is Northeast Now Correspondent in Agartala. He can be reached at: [email protected]