Religious spots to be made more attractive
THE TOURISM Department is all set to focus on the integrated development of religious and spiritual spots through its three projects which are to be undertaken soon. The Central Government has accepted proposals for these projects.
TOURISM DEPARTMENT INITIATIVE

THE TOURISM Department is all set to focus on the integrated development of religious and spiritual spots through its three projects which are to be undertaken soon. The Central Government has accepted proposals for these projects.
A mammoth project titled 'Ram Vangaman Marg' is the most significant one. This will involve an expenditure of Rs 800 lakh. The project will deal with the development of the entire route which Lord Ram covered during his exile. It will also cover the significant spots situated in Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Allahabad and Chitrakoot.
According to RK Yadav, regional tourist officer, it will include development of various venues such as Awadh Dham. "This place has a Shiv temple and the 'Shivling' is supposed to be installed by Lord Ram himself. Another venue is Khuilan Dham which is a bird sanctuary. It has a lake which covers the area of 20 sq km and there is a small island in the centre of the lake with the temple of Maa Durga. Historical facts suggest that Lord Ram had installed the idol," said Yadav.
Likewise Shringverpur, Ramchaura Ghat, Valmiki Ashram in Lalapur and other spots too are supposed to be covered under the said project. There also a plan to develop roads, and construct shades for tourists besides providing them with basic amenities.
Another project deals with the development of Jhunsi Fort and also the road alongside Yamuna river as well as the road near Arail Ghat.
"The development will be done while keeping in mind the comfort of pilgrims as they visit Sangam and other spots every year during Magh Mela. The entire project is estimated to be of about Rs 780 lakh. There will be the facilities of shades, seating arrangement, drinking water and food etc," said Yadav. The third project is aimed at the development of Rajapur, which lies between Chitrakoot and Allahabad. "The spot holds significance since the parental house of Ratnavali, wife of poet Tulsidas is situated here. Handwritten Ramayan by Tulsidas is also found here. The estimated expenditure for this project is around Rs 714 lakh. The bridge of Rajapur is being constructed and also the construction of double-lane road from Chitrakoot to Allahabad is on the cards.
This will facilitate direct route and thus tourists will face less discomfort," said Yadav.
"The department now has to design the projects, which will be sent to the department concerned for approval and release of funds," said Yadav.

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