DRNew Delhi: K J Alphons, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism, announced that the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned projects worth Rs. 85.23 crore for the development of Spiritual Circuit III for Kerala under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram recently, the Minister said that the sites identified under the circuit are spread across all 14 districts of the State and cover 133 religious places.
He said the districts where the projects would be implemented are Kasargod, Wayand, Kannur, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamhitta, Kollam and Thiruvanathapuram.
The Minister said the destinations have been selected keeping in view the inherent historic, cultural and religious significance of the places. The development works include community hall, Annadhana Mandapam, multipurpose hall, toilets, cafeteria, parking facilities, landscaping, pathways, illuminations, signage, dustbins etc. The Circuit covers religious sites all across the state from Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the northernmost district of Kasargod to the Madre De Deus Church in Thiruvanathapuram.
The Circuit will cover several historical religious sites across the state like Cheraman Jumah Masjid in Kodungallooor, Koodalmanikyam temple in Irinjalakkuda, St. Thomas Church in Malayattoor, Thriparayar Sreerama Temple in Thrissur etc. In reply to a question, Alphons said that the sites have been identified after elaborate study and discussions with all stakeholders. He pointed out that sixty per cent of domestic tourism is related to spiritual circuits.
The Swadesh Darshan scheme is one of the flagship schemes of the Ministry of Tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner. Fifteen thematic circuits have been identified under this scheme for development namely North East Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Tirthankar Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Sufi Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
Under this scheme the Government is focussing on the development of quality infrastructure in the country with the objective of providing better experience and facilities to visitors on one hand and fostering economic growth on the other.
The scheme was launched in 2014-15 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 73 projects worth projects for Rs. 5943.17 crore to 30 States and UTs. Thirty projects/major components of these projects are expected to be completed this year.
Eight projects have been inaugurated as on date under the scheme.
