EACH STATE TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE TOURISM AND
CULTURAL HUB
CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE OF
THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE MEETS
The Centre has
decided to develop at least one cultural-tourism hub in each state.
Monuments of cultural importance and tourism destinations of a
particular region will be developed in an integrated manner with
improved ambience. Destinations will be connected with better
roads, tourism infrastructure and a cultural centre with library,
documentation and interpretation facilities will be provided at
the hub. Cottages with better amenities will be constructed so
that tourists can stay and study the cultural heritage of the
region. This was informed by the Minister of Tourism and Culture,
Shri Jagmohan to the members of Consultative Committee of the
Ministry. The Minister disclosed that work on such hubs has already
started at Ajanta Ellora, Mahabalipuram and Humpi.
Number
of members of the committee raised issue of poor upkeep and inefficient
management of religious places, which are important for domestic
tourism. Responding to the concern of the members the Minister
said "department is evolving new work culture to improve
the conditions at these places. I myself has visited number of
such places with the officials of culture and tourism ministry,
CPWD, HUDCO and other concern to discuss affairs and improvement
plan with local authorities. Regular monitoring is being done
of time bound plans for these places". He added that Centre
would not consider further financial assistance for these places
until management is improved and time bound implementation of
betterment plans is ensured. Shri Jagmohan also informed that
Ministry is planning to develop circuits related with life and
work of legendary figures like Adishankaracharya, Mahatma Gandhi
and Vivekananda so that younger generation can visit places and
learn values. He said that to compensate the decline in tourists
arrival this year, the Government has prepared a strategy, -"Look
East" to attract tourists from South Asian countries. The
period is also being used to develop tourism infrastructure to
promote domestic tourism, which will later serve to boost foreign
arrival.
