Srinagar, Mar 06:Prime Minister NarendraModi, on his first visit to Kashmir on Thursday after the repeal of Article 370, will dedicate to the nation aRs 5,000-crore Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) for Agriculture at a Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir event in Srinagar.
He will also dedicate to the nation and launch multiple projects related to the tourism sector worth more than Rs 1,400 crore under SwadeshDarshan and PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme, including the project for Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar.
As per the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi will arrive at Bakshi Stadium, where he will participate in Jammu and Kashmir’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ program and address a mega rally expected to be attended by thousands of people from across the region.
RavinderRaina, the President of the BharatiyaJanata Party’s Jammu and Kashmir unit, confirmed that all preparations have been completed for the event. He stated that over two lakh people are anticipated to attend the rally, eagerly awaiting Modi’s arrival with open hearts.
“Party leadership has directed people to visit the Bakhshi Stadium and sea of people are awaiting to welcome PM Modi with open hearts in the Vallley,” he said adding that PM will announce development projects worth crores to boost Agriculture sector in the region.
During the program, Modi is expected to dedicate aRs 5,000-crore Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) aimed at boosting the agri-economy in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, he will launch multiple projects related to the tourism sector worth more than Rs 1,400 crore under the SwadeshDarshan and PRASHAD schemes.
The projects to be dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister include the development of ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’ in Srinagar, J&K; tourism facilities developed in Northeast circuit in Meghalaya; Spiritual Circuit in Bihar and Rajasthan; Rural and Tirthankar Circuit in Bihar ; development of Jogulamba Devi Temple, JogulambaGadwal District, Telangana; and development of Amarkantak Temple, Annupur District, Madhya Pradesh.
“To create world-class infrastructure and amenities for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Hazratbal Shrine, and to enhance their holistic spiritual experience, the project ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’ has been executed,” it said.
Moreover, Modi is slated to launch the ‘DekhoApnaDesh People’s Choice Tourist Destination Poll’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign,’ aimed at engaging citizens and the Indian diaspora in promoting tourism across the country.
Before addressing the public, the Prime Minister will distribute appointment orders to about 1000 new recruits in the government sector. He will also interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes, including women achievers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and others.
The PMO mentioned that key components of the project include site development of the entire area including the construction of the boundary wall of the Shrine; the Illumination of the Hazratbal shrine Precinct; the Improvement of Ghats and Devri Paths around the Shrine; Construction of Sufi interpretation center; Construction of Tourist Facilitation Centre; Installation of Signages; Multilevel Storied Car parking; Construction of Public Convenience Block and entrance Gateway of the Shrine; among others.
During the programme, Prime Minister will announce 42 tourist destinations selected under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme. The innovative scheme, announced during Union Budget 2023-24, aims to provide end-to-end tourist experiences by catalysing the development of tourist destinations while also promoting sustainability and ushering competitiveness in the tourism sector.
“The 42 destinations have been identified in four categories (16 in Culture and Heritage Destination; 11 in spiritual destinations; 10 in Ecotourism and AmritDharohar; and 5 in Vibrant Village),” it said.
As per PMO, PM will launch the first-ever nationwide initiative to identify the pulse of the nation on tourism, in the form of ‘DekhoApnaDesh People’s Choice 2024’.
“The nationwide poll aims to engage with citizens to identify most preferred tourist attractions and understand tourist perceptions across 5 tourism categories – Spiritual, Cultural & Heritage, Nature & Wildlife, Adventure, and other category,” it said.
The PMO said that besides the four main categories, the ‘other’ category is where one can vote for their personal favourites and help uncover hidden tourism gems in the form of unexplored tourism attractions and destinations like Vibrant Border Villages, Wellness Tourism, Wedding Tourism etc. This poll exercise is being hosted on the MyGov platform, the citizen engagement portal of the Government of India.
The prime minister will conclude the visit by launching the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign,’ urging the Indian diaspora, which numbers over 3 crore overseas Indians, to become ambassadors for Incredible India and promote tourism to the country
“The campaign is being launched based on the clarion call of the Prime Minister, wherein he requested Indian diaspora members to encourage at least 5 non-Indian friends to travel to India. With more than 3 crore overseas Indians, the Indian diaspora can serve as a powerful catalyst for Indian tourism, acting as cultural Ambassadors,” it said.
Key projects
Launch of tourism projects exceeding Rs 1,400 crore to boost tourism infrastructure
Focus on empowering the agri-economy and enhancing tourism in J&K
Development projects include Hazratbal Shrine &initiatives to enrich spiritual and cultural sites
Interaction with beneficiaries of government schemes, including women achievers &farmers.
Launch of nationwide initiatives like ‘DekhoApnaDesh People’s Choice 2024’ and ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’.
Distribution of appointment orders to 1000 new govtsector recruits.
Catalyzing tourism devthrough schemes like Challenge Based Destination Development.
