Lok Sabha Question No. 397 (STARRED), answered on 2025-03-27
Subject: Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana
Ministry: HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 397

## TO BE ANSWERED ON MARCH 27, 2025

## HERITAGE CITY DEVELOPMENT AND AUGMENTATION YOJANA

NO. 397.     SHRI KRISHNA PRASAD TENNETI:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  list  of  cities  selected  under  the  National  Heritage  City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) and the criteria used for  their  selection,  State-wise  and  district-wise  in  Andhra  Pradesh including Bapatla Parliamentary Constituency;
- (b) the details and current status of key projects undertaken in these cities for heritage conservation;
- (c) the details of total funds allocated, released and utilized under the said scheme, State-wise;
- (d) the  details  and  the  data  on  the  impact  of  HRIDAY  on  heritage preservation and tourism development; and
- (e) whether the Government has faced any challenges in the implementation of HRIDAY and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken to address them?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI MANOHAR LAL )

- (a) to  (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 397 FOR 27.03.2025 REGARDING 'HERITAGE CITY DEVELOPMENT AND AUGMENTTION YOJANA'

- (a): Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), a central sector scheme was launched on 21 st  January 2015. The main objective of the scheme is to preserve character and the soul of heritage cities and facilitate  inclusive  heritage  linked  urban  development  by  exploring various avenues including involving private sector. It was implemented in 12 cities i.e. Ajmer (Rajasthan), Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Amritsar (Punjab), Badami (Karnataka), Dwarka (Gujarat), Gaya (Bihar), Kancheepuram  and  Velankanni  (Tamil  Nadu),  Mathura  and  Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Puri (Odisha), and Warangal (Telangana).

The scheme was initiated as a pilot project consequent to announcement by the Hon'ble Finance Minister during the Budget Speech of Financial Year 2014-15. Cities were selected based on their heritage & tourism, religious importance and geographical spread. The Ministry considered these  selection  criteria  to  have  a  wide-spread  presence  of  HRIDAY scheme  across  nation,  region, culture and  religion. The  heritage development of city is not about beautification and conservation of just few monuments, but development of entire city in light of its heritage characteristics, its planning, its cleanliness, sanitation standards, quality  of  life  to  its  communities  and  its  economy  and  livelihoods. Separate  efforts  are  necessitated  under  HRIDAY  so  as  to  preserve character and the soul of heritage city which facilitate inclusive heritage linked urban development. To begin with 7 cities viz., Amritsar, Ajmer, Mathura, Gaya, Kancheepuram, Varanasi and Velankanni were selected to kick-start the scheme for conserving and preserving their respective heritage characters. Thereafter five more cities i.e. Amaravati, Badami, Dwarka, Puri, Warangal were included under HRIDAY scheme.

In Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati city is only one of the cities selected under the HRIDAY Scheme. The details of works undertaken and completed in Amaravati City of Andhra Pradesh during the mission period are enclosed as Annexure-A. No other new cities or projects were taken up in Andhra Pradesh under the HRIDAY scheme.

- (b) & (c):  Total outlay for the scheme was Rs. 500 crore. The detailed current status  of  key  projects  undertaken  in  heritage  cities  for  heritage conservation  and  funds  allocated,  released,  and  utilized  under  the scheme State-wise is enclosed as Annexure-B and C.
- (d): As per the Impact Assessment Study conducted by Quality Council of India under HRIDAY scheme, various urban development projects were undertaken to improve infrastructure, promote tourism, and conserve the architectural and cultural heritage of these cities. In conclusion, HRIDAY
- scheme  across  12  heritage  cities  in  India  highlights  the  diverse  and multifaceted  impacts  of  the  scheme.  The  HRIDAY  scheme  has  led  to notable  improvements  across  various  cities,  focusing  on  heritage conservation, economic growth, and enhanced public infrastructure. For instance, Cities like Ajmer, Amaravati, and Badami have seen improvements  in  cleanliness,  tourism,  and  community  development. Amritsar, Gaya, and Varanasi prioritized heritage revitalization, inclusivity,  and  economic  growth,  while  Warangal  and  Puri  witnessed growth  in  tourism  and  public  amenities.  Kancheepuram  and  Mathura witnessed improvements in safety and infrastructure, while Velankanni stood out for its environmental sustainability and heritage conservation. Overall,  the  scheme  has  positively  impacted  the  quality  of  life  for residents and boosted tourism.
- (e): During  the  implementation  of  the  HRIDAY  scheme  the  role  of  the concerned local governments/ULBs was very important for implementing and completing such projects in a timely manner. In one of the places, the implementation of the HRIDAY scheme faced lack of coordination in the urban local body that resulted in delay in completing the project.  To address these challenges, the Ministry has conducted the site visits of the projects and followed up with the Urban Local Bodies for completion of the project. The mission period of the HRIDAY has ended on 31 st  March, 2019. No new cities or projects were taken up after 31 st  March, 2019 in the  Ministry  of  Housing  and  Urban  Affairs  under  HRIDAY  scheme.  On discontinuation of the HRIDAY scheme, heritage component has been included in National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) which is presently administered by the Ministry of Tourism.

*****

Annexure-A

Refer to in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 397 to be answered on 27 th March, 2025.

Statement showing the details of works undertaken and completed in Amaravati City (Andhra Pradesh) during the mission period of HRIDAY

| S. No.   | Name of the work                                    |   Funds released ( Rs. in crore) |
|----------|-----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| 1        | Up-gradation of approach roads to heritage Sites    |                            10.01 |
| 2        | Development of Heritage Walk                        |                             2.32 |
| 3        | Redevelopment of Amaravati pond (NunegundamCheruvu) |                             4.27 |
| Total    | Total                                               |                            16.6  |

## ANNEXURE-B

Refer to in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 397 to be answered on 27 th March, 2025.

City wise status of projects under HRIDAY scheme

## HRIDAY projects at Amritsar (Punjab)

| S. No.                                                                  | Name of the Project                                                                                              | Progress Status   |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| 1                                                                       | Landscape Improvements and Historic Edge Delineation of the Rambagh Garden                                       | Completed         |
| # Provision of surface parking in Rambagh Garden                        | # Provision of surface parking in Rambagh Garden                                                                 | Cancelled         |
| 2                                                                       | Restoration & Adaptive Reuse of Rambagh Gate                                                                     | Completed         |
| 3                                                                       | Comprehensive road development and up-gradation of 21 major roads leading to Golden Temple                       | Completed         |
| # Development of Public Plaza along the southern edge of Rambagh Garden | # Development of Public Plaza along the southern edge of Rambagh Garden                                          | Cancelled         |
| 4                                                                       | Reorganizing Connectivity and Linkages through Streetscape and Landscape improvement at GolBagh                  | Completed         |
| 5                                                                       | Comprehensive Improvement of a mobility corridor along the outer and inner circular road                         | Completed         |
| 6                                                                       | Revitalization and Infrastructure Development at 40 Khoo, or 40 Wells and Colonial Period Power House            | Completed         |
| * Additional component for Adaptive Reuse of the Pump House, 40 Khuh,   | * Additional component for Adaptive Reuse of the Pump House, 40 Khuh,                                            | Completed         |
| 7                                                                       | Development of an Environmental Park at the UBDC Canal                                                           | Completed         |
| 8                                                                       | Structural retrofitting and up-gradation of the historic fabric of the colonial period building of the DC Office | Completed         |
| 9                                                                       | Up-gradation of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama                                                               | Completed         |
| 10                                                                      | Interpretative Signage in the City with Sensors #                                                                | Completed         |
| 11                                                                      | Heritage lighting for proper illumination of various sites                                                       | Completed         |
| 12                                                                      | Conservation of the historic gates and improvement in the Heritage Zone4 - Circular Road - Historic Connector    | Completed         |

## HRIDAY projects at Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh)

|   S. No. | Name of the Project                              | Progress Status   |
|----------|--------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
|        1 | Up-gradation of Approach roads to Heritage Sites | Completed         |
|        2 | Development of Heritage Walk                     | Completed         |

## HRIDAY projects at Ajmer (Rajasthan)

|   S. No. | Name of the Project                                                     | Progress Status   |
|----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
|        1 | Development of Heritage Walk connecting Akbari Quila and SonijikiNasiya | Completed         |
|        2 | Development of Jaipur Road Precinct                                     | Completed         |
|        3 | Development of Pushkar Heritage Walk                                    | Completed         |
|        4 | Development of SubhashUdyan                                             | Completed         |
|        5 | Annasagar Lakefront Up-gradation                                        | Completed         |
|        6 | Development of Vehicular Surface Parking at Longia Hospital, Ajmer      | Completed         |
|        7 | Development of Rail Museum at Ajmer                                     | Completed         |

## HRIDAY projects at Badami (Karnataka)

| S. No.                                                                                                                                                     | Name of the Project                                                                                                                                        | Progress Status   |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| 1                                                                                                                                                          | Development of Sullage Treatment Plant in Takkote Village. (Replaced by underground drainage work)                                                         | Completed         |
| 2                                                                                                                                                          | Zero Waste Management for Badami Town                                                                                                                      | Completed         |
| 3                                                                                                                                                          | Improvement of Historic, Vernacular Building Façade and Streetscape                                                                                        | Cancelled         |
| * Additional component for Construction of arches, improvement of junctions and toilet block                                                               | * Additional component for Construction of arches, improvement of junctions and toilet block                                                               | Completed         |
| 4                                                                                                                                                          | Integrated Development and Improvement of Arterial Road, Transportation Infrastructure, Parking and Road Signage                                           | Completed         |
| * Integrated Development and Improvement of Arterial Road Transportation Infrastructure, Parking & Road Signage Entrance Arch (Amount transferred to CPWD) | * Integrated Development and Improvement of Arterial Road Transportation Infrastructure, Parking & Road Signage Entrance Arch (Amount transferred to CPWD) | 85% progress      |

## HRIDAY projects at Dwarka (Gujarat)

|   S. No. | Name of the Project                                                                                           | Progress Status   |
|----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
|        1 | Vegetable market square                                                                                       | Completed         |
|        2 | SidheshwarMahadev Precinct                                                                                    | Completed         |
|        3 | Darshan Path - Teen Batti                                                                                     | Completed         |
|        4 | Development of heritage zone 01 Dwarkadhish temple square                                                     | Completed         |
|        5 | Development of heritage zone 04 Main Processional Street (Darshan Path) from Iskon Gate to Dwarkadhish temple | Completed         |
|        6 | Development of Bet Dwaraka Darshan Circuit                                                                    | Completed         |
|        7 | Revitalization of Vegetable Market, Brahma Kund, Hari Kund and SavitriVav at Dwaraka                          | Completed         |
|        8 | Installation of CCTV Cameras and Wi-Fi Systems in the identified Heritage Zones in Dwaraka                    | Completed         |

## HRIDAY projects at Gaya (Bihar)

| S. No.   | Name of the Project   | Progress Status   |
|----------|-----------------------|-------------------|

| 1                                   | Development of Ghats and Sarovars at Gaya: Brahmsat and Baitarani Sarovar                                              | Completed         |
|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| 2                                   | Development of Ghat and Vishnupad temple complex                                                                       | Completed         |
| 3                                   | Development of Akshay Vat Complex (Zone-2) at Gaya                                                                     | Completed         |
| 4                                   | Development of Connecting pathway- Dungeshwari hill to Mahabodhi temple (Zone-6) at Bodh Gaya                          | completed         |
| 5                                   | Development of SitaKund Temple Complex                                                                                 | Completed         |
| 6                                   | Development of Pita MaheshwarSarovar                                                                                   | Completed         |
| # Construction of Four Welcome Arch | # Construction of Four Welcome Arch                                                                                    | Project Cancelled |
| 7                                   | Beautification and Development of Ram Kund, Ram Sagar, Godavari and SingraSthanSarovar (Phase-I) SingraSthan Phase-II* | Completed         |

## HRIDAY projects at Kancheepuram (Tamil Nadu)

|   S. No | Name of the Project                                                      | Progress Status   |
|---------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
|       1 | Development and Infrastructure Up-gradation around Ekambareswarar Temple | Completed         |

|   2 | Development and Infrastructure Up-gradation around VaradharajaPerumal Temple Zone.   | Completed   |
|-----|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
|   3 | Development and Infrastructure Works Around Kamatchi Amman Temple                    | Completed   |

## HRIDAY projects at Mathura (Uttar Pradesh)

|   S. No. | Name of the Project                                                                        | Progress Status   |
|----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
|        1 | Redevelopment and Revitalization of VrindavanParikrama Marg                                | Completed         |
|        2 | Krishna Janmabhoomi Precinct                                                               | Completed         |
|        3 | Revitalization of the Historic Chatta Bazaar                                               | Completed         |
|        4 | Rejuvenation of the Historic VishramGhat                                                   | Completed         |
|        5 | Installation of CCTV Cameras at Krishna Janmsthan, VrindavanParikrama Marg and VishramGhat | Completed         |
|        6 | Beautification of KrishnapuriTiraha                                                        | Completed         |
|        7 | Façade Lighting at PotraKund                                                               | Completed         |
|        8 | Strengthening & beautification of road from KrishnapuriTiraha to Subhash inter college.    | Completed         |

## HRIDAY projects at Puri (Odisha)

|   S. No. | Name of the Project                                                                                    | Progress Status   |
|----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
|        1 | Development of Landscape Garden by using treated water from waste water treatment plant at BankiMuhana | Completed         |

|   2 | Landscape development of Shri JagannathaBallabhMatha Garden                                     | Completed   |
|-----|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
|   3 | Landscape development etc along the River Front Atharnala                                       | Completed   |
|   4 | Improvement and facades up-gradation of Bada Odiya Matha and Ganga Mata Matha                   | Completed   |
|   5 | Revival of Pokharis, Ponds located in 7 Jagaghara                                               | Completed   |
|   6 | Retrofitting of building facades along the Parikrama Marg (periphery) of Shri Jagannatha Temple | Completed   |

## HRIDAY projects at Warangal (Telangana)

|   S. No. | Name of the Project                                                                       | Progress Status   |
|----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
|        1 | Bhadrakali Lake Foreshore Development                                                     | Completed         |
|        2 | Development work at 1000 pillar temple area                                               | Completed         |
|        3 | Development work at KazipethDargah                                                        | Completed         |
|        4 | Rejuvenation of pond at Padmakshi Temple and Development of Jain Sites of Hanamkonda Hill | Completed         |

## HRIDAY projects at Velankanni (Tamil Nadu)

|   S. No. | Name of the Project                                                             | Progress Status   |
|----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
|        1 | Development of support infrastructure at Velankanni                             | Completed         |
|        2 | Heritage linked infrastructure development of Three Delineated zones            | Completed         |
|        3 | Additional Heritage linked infrastructure development of Three Delineated zones | Completed         |

## HRIDAY projects at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

| S. No.                                                     | Name of the Project                                         | Progress Status   |
|------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| 1                                                          | Construction of 10 approach Roads to various heritage sites | Completed         |
| # Development of Dashashwamedh - Godowlia Culture Quarter. | # Development of Dashashwamedh - Godowlia Culture Quarter.  | Project Cancelled |
| 2                                                          | Redevelopment of Town Hall as Heritage Centre               | Completed         |

|   3 | Development of 24 Roads leading to various heritage sites                                     | Completed   |
|-----|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
|   4 | Development of Heritage precinct of Road Connecting Durgakund, KurushetraPokhra and AssiGhat  | Completed   |
|   5 | Carrying out Heritage Artistic Paint Work                                                     | Completed   |
|   6 | Heritage Walk around KabirChaura and PiplaniKatra                                             | Completed   |
|   7 | Development of 86 heritage sites                                                              | Completed   |
|   8 | Implementation of Heritage Sensitive Infrastructure for LED Street Lighting at Old Kashi Zone | Completed   |
|   9 | Thematic Development of 10 Roads leading to Various Heritage Sites                            | Completed   |
|  10 | Façade Lighting for Historic monument of Town Hall and DurgaMandir                            | Completed   |
|  11 | Installation of Heritage Sensitive LED Street Lighting                                        | Completed   |

Annexure-C

Refer to in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 397 to be answered on 27 th March, 2025.

Statement showing the current status of key projects undertaken in heritage cities  for  heritage  conservation  and  funds  allocated,  released,  and  utilized under the scheme State-wise/City wise.

(Rs. in crore)

Current Status

City

Amount

| S. No.   |                           |   Approved | Amount Released   | Utilization Certificates Received   |   Projects Approved |   Projects Completed | Pending Projects   |
|----------|---------------------------|------------|-------------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------|----------------------|--------------------|
| 1        | Ajmer (Rajasthan)         |      38.18 | 34.17             | 22.47                               |                   7 |                    7 | Nil                |
| 2        | Amaravati (AndhraPradesh) |      18.47 | 16.60             | 69.91                               |                   3 |                    3 | Nil                |
| 3        | Amritsar (Punjab)         |      74.2  | 72.96             | 19.96                               |                  12 |                   12 | Nil                |
| 4        | Badami (Karnataka)        |      19.7  | 19.03             | 14.20                               |                   4 |                    3 | 1                  |
| 5        | Dwarka (Gujarat)          |      32.2  | 27.76             | 26.11                               |                   8 |                    8 | Nil                |
| 6        | Gaya (Bihar)              |      36.52 | 34.74             | 13.97                               |                   7 |                    7 | Nil                |
| 7        | Kancheepuram (Tamil Nadu) |      20    | 19.48             | 57.65                               |                   3 |                    3 | Nil                |
| 8        | Mathura (Uttar Pradesh)   |      21.75 | 21.75             | 13.39                               |                   8 |                    8 | Nil                |
| 9        | Puri (Odisha)             |      16.72 | 16.12             | 24.56                               |                   6 |                    6 | Nil                |
| 10       | Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)  |      87.62 | 87.62             | 19.43                               |                  11 |                   11 | Nil                |
| 11       | Velankanni (Tamil Nadu)   |      19.26 | 19.03             | 11.39                               |                   3 |                    3 | Nil                |
| 12       | Warangal (Telanagna)      |      34.95 | 32.82             | 29.70                               |                   5 |                    5 | Nil                |
| Total    | Total                     |     419.57 | #402.08           | @322.74                             |                  77 |                   76 | *01                |

*1 project in Badami amounts to Rs. 9.37 Crore is under implementation.

# The difference in amount of funds approved and funds released is on account of change in the scope of work and variation in tender cost.

@ The utilization certificates are still awaited from the Urban Local Bodies for the difference amount.