Lok Sabha Question No. 3448 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-16
Subject: Promotion of Tourism at Khajuraho Group of Temples
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Vishnu Datt Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3448 ANSWERED ON 16.12.2024

## PROMOTION OF TOURISM AT KHAJURAHO GROUP OF TEMPLES

## 3448. SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- whether  the  Government  is  cognizant  that  Khajuraho  group  of temple has immense historical, cultural and tourism importance world  over  and  these  group  of  temples  are  also  designated  as UNESCO World Heritage site, which also happens to be in close
- (a) proximity to famous Panna tiger reserve;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has any special plans to promote tourism in this region, considering the high potential of tourism on one hand and developmental needs in this under -developed region;
- (c)
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM      (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (d): Yes Sir, Khajuraho group of temple has immense historical, cultural and tourism importance and is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage site.

The  development  and  promotion  of  tourism  destinations  and products are primarily undertaken by the concerned State Governments  (SGs)/Union  Territory  Administrations  (UTs).  However, the  Ministry  of  Tourism  through  its  ongoing  schemes  of  'Swadesh Darshan' and 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)' and 'Assistance to Central Agencies for  Tourism  Infrastructure  Development'  complements  the  efforts  of the  State  Governments  (SGs)/UT  Administrations  (UTs)  by  extending financial assistance to SGs/UTs/Central Agencies for tourism infrastructure  development  at  various  tourism  destinations  in  the country including Madhya Pradesh.

Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned four projects in Madhya Pradesh including a project under the heritage  circuit  'Development  of  Gwalior  Orchha -Khajuraho -Chanderi -Bhimbetka -Mandu' and a project under the Wildlife Circuit 'Development  of  Wildlife  Circuit  at  Panna -  Mukundpur-  Sanjay-  DubriBandhavgarh- Kanha- Mukki- Pench '. The details of which are as under:

(in Rs. crore)

| Name of the Circuit   | Name of the Project                                                                                 |   Amount Sanctioned | Physical Status   |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|-------------------|
| Wildlife Circuit      | Development of Wildlife Circuit at Panna- Mukundpur- Sanjay- Dubri-Bandhavgarh- Kanha- Mukki- Pench |               92.1  | Complete          |
| Heritage Circuit*     | Development of Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Chanderi - Bhimbetka - Mandu                          |               89.82 | Complete          |

Under  the Heritage  Circuit*  mentioned  above  a  Convention Centre has been sanctioned at Khajuraho at a cost of Rs.34.99 Crore.

The  Ministry of Tourism  as part of its  ongoing  endeavour promotes  various  tourism  destinations  and  products  of  the  country including  Madhya  Pradesh  through  promotional  activities,  events, website, social media promotions etc.

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