State kicks off 271 crore heritage plan for 'Swadesh Darshan'

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh tourism department has kicked off an ambitious project to the tune of around Rs 271 crore approved by the Central government this year under Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of heritage circuit in Madhya Pradesh.
The heritage circuit in Madhya Pradesh covers Gwalior-Orchha- Khajuraho-Chanderi-Bhimbetka-Mandu. The project envisages world class infrastructural development of the sites, which includes developing a theme park and convention centre in Khajuraho, besides sound and light show in Mandu.According to the officials in tourism department, the project is divided into three major components, which include world-class development of Buddhist circuit, heritage circuit and wildlife circuit. "We recently began working on the project. Tenders have been floated and we hope to complete the project within stipulated time of two years," said Vivek Mathur, general manager, planning department of tourism.
He said site illumination, construction of tourist facilitation centres and parking areas will be carried out under the project. Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, 13 thematic circuits were earlier identified for development throughout the country. Among them heritage, wildlife and Buddhist circuits are in Madhya Pradesh. Development of Buddhist circuit includes overall upgradation of existing Buddhist oriented sites in Madhya Pradesh. The sites will be developed as world-class tourist destinations. Among the places to be developed are Sanchi, Satdhara, Andher, Sonari and Murulkurd etc. Heritage circuit envisages covering all the heritage site of the state. It will include development of eco log huts, sound and light show and upgradation of temple pathways.
Madhya Pradesh tourism has been sanctioned Rs 98 crore for wildlife circuit project and Rs 75 crore for Buddhist circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Union ministry of tourism. "We have been sanctioned in principle Rs 98 crore for wildlife circuit, Rs 75 crore for Buddhist circuit and Rs 98 crore for heritage circuit." Mathur told TOI. He added that areas surrounding wildlife circuit will be developed, besides its core areas.