Lok Sabha Question No. 3986 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-18
Subject: Projects under PRASHAD Scheme in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Mani A

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3986 ANSWERED ON 18.08.2025

## PROJECTS UNDER PRASHAD SCHEME IN TAMIL NADU

## 3986. SHRI MANI A:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  status  of  major  projects  undertaken  in  Tamil  Nadu  under  the Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual,  Heritage  Augmentation  Drive (PRASHAD)  scheme,  such  as  the  development  of  heritage/spiritual destinations and the expected completion timelines;
- (b) the  details  of  the  specific  infrastructure  components  developed  under the  scheme  in  Tamil  Nadu,  such  as  tourism  facilities,  amenities, approach  roads,  lighting,  signages,  interpretation  centres  and  ecofriendly solutions;
- (c) whether any proposals from Tamil Nadu specifically for Dharmapuri Lok Sabha  Constituency  are  currently  under  consideration  or  awaiting approval under the PRASHAD Scheme and if so, the details and reasons for any delays; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  expand  the  coverage  of  the PRASHAD Scheme to include additional spiritual and heritage destinations in Tamil Nadu, especially in underserved districts?

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (d): Development  of  tourist  destinations  and  products  is  primarily undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism under the 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and  Spiritual,  Heritage  Augmentation  Drive'  (PRASHAD)  provides  financial assistance to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for development  of  tourism  infrastructure  at  identified  religious  and  heritage sites across the country, including the State of Tamil Nadu.

Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 3 projects in the State of Tamil Nadu namely Development of Kanchipuram, Development of  Velankanni  and  Development  of  8  Navagraha  Temples.  The  details  of these projects is placed at Annexure.

Receiving  proposals  from  the  State  Governments/UT  Administrations for  financial  assistance  for  tourism  projects  is  a  continuous  process.  The proposals received are examined with reference to the prescribed guidelines and financial assistance is extended for such projects subject to fulfillment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds.

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## ANNEXURE

STATEMENT  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF  LOK  SABHA  UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO.3986  ANSWERED  ON  18.08.2025  REGARDING  PROJECTS UNDER PRASHAD SCHEME IN TAMIL NADU RAISED BY SHRI MANI A

List  of  Projects  sanctioned  under  PRASHAD  Scheme  in  the  State  of  Tamil Nadu is as under:

(Rs. in Crore)

|   S. No. | Project Name                       | Components                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Sanction Year   |   Sanction Amount | Status    |
|----------|------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------|-----------|
|        1 | Development of Kanchipuram         | Tourist Information Centre, Cloak Room, RO Plant, Pathway, Signages, Parking Facilities, Security Room, Sanitary Block, Tourist Interpretation Centre, Rejuvenation of Natural Water Bodies/Temple Tanks, Compound Wall, Entry/Entrance Arch & Gate, Seating Facilities | 2016-17         |             13.99 | Completed |
|        2 | Development of Velankanni          | Paver Block Road, Toilet Block, Compound Wall, Retaining Wall, Pathway with Rails, Seating Benches, Street Lighting, CCTV System with Control Room                                                                                                                      | 2016-17         |              4.86 | Completed |
|        3 | Development of 8 Navagraha Temples | Waiting Lounge, Cloak Room, Toilet, Navagraha Celestial Park, Rainwater Harvesting, Directional Signage                                                                                                                                                                 | 2024-25         |             40.94 | Ongoing   |

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