DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRITUAL CORRIDORS

The Ministry of Culture reports that infrastructural and aesthetic development of spiritual corridors in Kashi (Varanasi), Ayodhya and Mathura‑Vrindavan is being undertaken under tourism schemes such as PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan, CBDD, ACA and SASCI. Projects, approved on proposals from State/UT administrations, aim to integrate modern visitor amenities while preserving cultural and heritage character. The initiatives are expected to boost cultural tourism, increase tourist footfall and create livelihood opportunities for local artisans and related sectors. The Ministry also urges incorporation of sustainable components like waste‑management, sewage treatment, rainwater harvesting and solar lighting to ensure environmental sustainability at these heavily visited sites. The information was provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a Rajya Sabha reply.