Lok Sabha Question No. 3857 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Promotion of Tourism in Shimla
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO . †385 7

## ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN SHIMLA

## †38 57. SHRI SURESH KUMAR KASHYAP:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state :

- (a) whether any proposals have been forwarded by the present Government of Himachal Pradesh to the Union Government during the last  two  years  to  further  promote  tourism  in  Shimla  Parliamentary Constituency of Himachal Pradesh;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the number of pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh identified so far under  the  PRASAD  Scheme  (Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual Augmentation Drive) to promote religious tourism and develop pilgrimage sites along with the details of the construction work and amount sanctioned in this regard, district-wise;
- (d) whether Shri Renuka Ji Mandir in Shimla Parliamentary Constituency which  is  the  birthplace  of  Lord  Parshuram  and  attracts  a  large number  of  tourists  and  devotees  from  both  within  the  country  and abroad  and  hosts  an  international  fair,  is  included  under  the  said scheme; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

(

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT )

(a) to (b): The Ministry of Tourism through its ongoing schemes  of Swadesh  Darshan  (SD),  '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 including the State of Himachal Pradesh.

No proposal for development of tourism projects in Shimla Parliamentary Constituency  of  Himachal  Pradesh  is  under  the  consideration  of  the Ministry  of  Tourism  under  its  ongoing  schemes  as  no  proposal  in  the prescribed format is received in the Ministry of Tourism. However, under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned  a  project  around  Shimla  named  'Development  of  Himalayan Circuit:  Kiarighat,  Shimla,  Hatkoti,  Manali,  Kangra,  Dharamshala,  Bir, Palampur, Chamba' at a cost of Rs. 68.34 crore. In  addition,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  as  part  of  its  ongoing  endeavour promotes  various tourism destinations and products of the country including  Shimla  through  promotional  activities,  events,  website,  social media promotions, etc. (c): The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  identified  the  project  'Development  Of Maa  Chintpurni  Temple,  Una  District'  under  the  PRASHAD  Scheme.  The major  components  proposed  in  the  project  includes  Q-Complex  with Pilgrimage Facilities for  Darshan, LED Façade Illumination for Q-Complex and Covered pathway at Temple Level, etc. (d) to (e): No  proposal  is  under  the  consideration  of  the  Ministry  of Tourism to include Shri Renuka  Ji Mandir in Shimla Parliamentary Constituency under the PRASHAD Scheme. 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 fulfilment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds.

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