PM inaugurates projects to boost religious tourism

Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated nine projects under the Swadesh Darshan and Prasad Yojana from Srinagar on Thursday. The projects include development initiatives in Gwalior and Chitrakoot as part of Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and Amarkantak and Pitambara Peeth temple Datia under the Prasad Yojana, at a total cost of Rs 118 crore 72 lakh. Chief minister Mohan Yadav participated in the programme from Chitrakoot, where he announced setting up of Chitrakoot Development Authority. This authority aims to facilitate coordinated development and overall progress in Chitrakoot by fostering collaboration between urban bodies and gram panchayats across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.PM Modi said that six projects have been dedicated under Swadesh Darshan. “Simultaneously, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 has been launched and 30 projects in other places of the country including Jammu and Kashmir have been started. Three projects have been launched under Prasad Yojana. The government has identified more than 40 sites which will be developed as tourist destinations in the next 2 years”, he said.Modi also announced the launch of 'Dekho Apna Desh-People's Choice Campaign,' emphasissing development of tourist destinations with public involvement. Locations receiving highest votes in the People's Choice campaign will be prioritised for development as tourist destination.Modi urged Indian diaspora to encourage at least five families residing abroad to visit India. “To facilitate this initiative, 'Chalo India Campaign' is being initiated. This campaign will make a website to inspire NRIs and other citizens to plan visits to India”, he said. He urged tourists visiting the country to purchase goods from the local market with at least 5 percent of their travel budget stating that their contribution will lead to development of tourism industries area. Besides, employment opportunities will also increase.During the virtual launch of "Adhyatmik Anubhav Pariyojna" and various development initiatives in Chitrakoot, chief minister Yadav expressed pride in India's Sanatan culture. Yadav emphasised the significance of places linked with Lord Ram and Krishna in Madhya Pradesh, assuring their development into premier pilgrimage destinations. He praised Prime Minister Modi's efforts to promote Sanatan culture globally, referring to the establishment of a grand temple in Dubai.Yadav said that Prime Minister Modi has re-established the glory of Srinagar. Removal of Article 370 has globally enhanced our self-respect and pride. Lord Shri Ram came to Chitrakoot, hence Chitrakoot is as important to us as Srinagar. Chief Minister Yadav said that Kashmir, which was the center of eternal cultural magnificence and intellectual activities, suffered a setback. During the time of Samrat Vikramaditya, many scholars from Kashmir came to Ujjaini.Chief minister Yadav highlighted the construction of Ayodhya Dham as a significant milestone resulting from a 500-year-long struggle. He re-iterated Swami Vivekananda's words that the 21st century would be India's era, noting the realisation of this vision under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.The chief minister said that the banks of Chitrakoot will be developed at a cost of Rs 27 crore. " 
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