Lok Sabha Question No. 1229 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-10
Subject: Development of Bateshwar Dham
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Dulal Chandra Goswami

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†1229 ANSWERED ON 10.02.2020

## DEVELOPMENT OF BATESHWAR DHAM

## †1229. SHRI DULAL CHAND GOSWAMI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to formulate any important State-wise scheme to promote tourism in the country;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  develop  Bateshwar Dham  on  the  bank  of  Ganga-koshi  Confluence  in  Katihar  of Bihar as a tourist place where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhiji were immersed; and
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

## (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a)  to  (b):  Ministry  of  Tourism  undertakes  promotional  activities  in domestic and international markets through its schemes of 'Domestic  Promotion  &  Publicity  including  Hospitality  (DPPH)'  and Overseas  Promotion  &  Publicity  Including  Market  Development Assistance  (OPMD).  Under  these  schemes,  Ministry  of  Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination under the Incredible India brand -line . As  part  of  its  on -going  activities,  the  Ministry  releases print, electronic,  online  and  outdoor  media  campaigns  in  the international  and  domestic  markets,  to  promote  various  tourism destinations and products of the country . In addition, the Ministry of Tourism  under  its  schemes  of  Swadesh  Darshan,  PRASHAD  and Assistance to Central Agencies provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/ UT Administrations/Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country.

(c) to (d): Development and promotion of Tourism infrastructure is primarily  the  responsibility  of  respective  State  Governments/Union Territories. However, Ministry of Tourism, under the  scheme 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive' (PRASHAD) provides Central Financial Assistance for infrastructure  development  and  beautification  of  Tourism  Centres on receipt of suitable DPRs submitted by State Governments/Union Territories,  subject  to  availability  of  funds,  liquidation  of  pending utilisation certificate against the fund released earlier and adherence to the relevant scheme guidelines. Identification of more destinations under these schemes is a continuous process, which is to  be  considered  only  on  receipt  of  request  from  respective  State Governments/UTs. Ministry has not received any proposal for development  of  Bateswar  Dham  from  the  State  Government  of Bihar. Further, Ministry has  sanctioned  the  project  'Development  of Bhitiharwa  -  Chandrahia  -  Turkaulia  under  Rural  Circuit  theme  of Swadesh Darshan Scheme' for development of East Champaran and West Champaran districts in Bihar in the year 2017-18 for Rs.44.65 Crore and has released Rs.21.24 Crore under the project, till date. The  sites  taken  under  the  project  are  associated  with  Mahatma Gandhi and Champaran Satyagraha Movement.

********