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In view of the interest of the people world over and importance in the history, Dandi March route in Gujarat will be developed as heritage corridor for tourists. Way-side amenities and other tourism facilities will be created along the route to facilitate the visits of tourists who want to undertake the walk through the route. Briefing the Members of Parliament attached to her Ministry, Smt. Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State for Tourism said that the corridor will be the part of the freedom circuit being developed across the country to make the people aware of life and work of our freedom fighters.
Highlighting the socio-economic development potential of tourism, Smt. Chowdhury said that recent efforts of her Ministry have resulted in increase of 25% in tourism arrival and Rs. 55,000 crore enhancement in earnings. Domestic tourism has also registered an increase of 32.5%. A number of innovative publicity measures have been taken to publicise our destinations which include colours of ‘Incredible India’ painted on train in Netherland, on taxi in London and on tram in Paris. New destinations are being identified, rural tourism is being developed, new facilities are being created at airports and service providers like taxi drivers, police and workers at dhabas and restaurants are being trained to become tourist friendly. More than 26 thousand people in 7 cities have been trained so far, she added.
Briefing about the infrastructure development projects, the Minister said North-East has been allotted 79 crore for the purpose. Efforts are being made to promote tourism in the area in such a way that every State in the region has its own attraction. Instead of developing destinations in isolated manner integrated projects are being prepared and all related departments are being asked to prepare their own sub-plan for tourism.
Participating in the meeting, Members of Parliament, Shri Parasnath Yadav suggested improvement of road links to tourist designations of western UP. Shri Chandan Mitra suggested the development of alternate site for migratry birds that have shifted from Bharatpur to other water bodies. He also suggested wildlife sanctuaries should be opened only in a phased manner for tourists, Shri Sunil Khan suggested comprehensive tourism plan for development of tourism destinations, Shri Lal Singh suggested that new destinations should be explored in Ladhakh and Jammu region. He also raised the issue of exploitation of poniwalas at Vaishno Devi Shrine. Shri Chandra Kumar suggested separate tourism blue print for each State. Shri V.K. Thummer raised the issue of harassment of tourists groups at the entry points in Delhi. Ms. Bimba Raikar said that ghats in Kashi should be improved and Ms. J.D. Barupal demanded more assistance for development of various tourism destinations in Rajasthan.
NCJ/DT
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