The Central Government has recently released a fund of nearly Rs5 crore for the development of infrastructure in two tourism circuits of Gujarat, including that of Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Gujarat Government has spent sizable amount on tourism promotion, especially to make the only abode of Asiatic lions a truly global tourist destination. In fact, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat limited (TCGl) has roped in bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. As a result of it, tourist flow increased sizably in Gujarat and particularly in Gir area, but due to inadequate tourism infrastructure many tourists have to go back disappointed.
“Since 2012-13, the Union Government has released nearly Rs3,000 crore for the development of tourism infrastructure across the country. From this released fund, Rs4.86 crore has been sanctioned for two tourism circuits of Gujarat too,” said Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Stare for Tourism in a reply to a question raised by Rajya Sabha member Parimal Nathwani.
According to Sharma his Ministry identified two important tourism circuits in Gujarat including Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary — Somnath temple — Ahmedpur Mandvi — Junagadh as well as Dwarka — Bet Dwarka, Nageshwar Jyotirling — Gopi Talav.
These two circuits are among the 50 other tourist circuits indentified across the country by the Tourism Ministry where tourism infrastructure will be developed or upgraded, he added
Nathwani wanted to know about number of tourism infrastructure projects approved and financed in last two years and current year, special schemes for investment in tourism infrastructure development and amount earmarked for development of tourist spot.