Steps to develop Buddhist circuit discussed

Pitching for the creation of theme-based tourist circuits across the country, Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma today held consultations with MPs from UP, Bihar and Ladakh here to discuss modalities to develop Buddhist circuit to attract more tourists in the sector.
The meeting was attended by those MPs whose constituencies have important Buddhist sites which can be developed under the Buddhist circuit identified under the new Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry.
Among those MPs who participated in the meeting include Yogi Adityanath (Gorakhpur), Jagdambika Pal (Domariyaganj), Rajesh Pandey (Kushi Nagar), Sharad Tripathi (Sant Kabir Nagar), Daddan Mishra (Shrawasti), Vinod Kumar (Kaushambi), Thupstan Chhewang (Ladakh), and Rama Kishore Singh (Vaishali).

Buddhist circuit is one of the five circuits identified under the Swadesh Darshan scheme and Rs 120 crore has been allocated this year for its development.
The circuit will include places like Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Sarnath, Sidharth Nagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, Shrawasti, Piprawa, Bodh Gaya, Vaishali, Nalanda among others.
At the meeting, MPs highlighted the issue of connectivity which is the biggest problem concerning the development of tourism in the areas.

They suggested that a Buddhist National Highway should be created connecting the important places within the circuit. They also wanted improved air connectivity by developing airports at Kushi Nagar and Shrawasti, besides development of budget hotels, common amenities and infrastructure.

The MPs appreciated the efforts of Tourism Ministry in taking initiatives in development of the circuit as Buddhism is the fourth largest religion of the world and the development of this area will attract more foreign pilgrims to India.
They also requested for setting up of a special museum where centuries-old statue of Lord Buddha, artefacts and various other objects related to Buddhism can be placed at a single location in the Buddhist circuit for the tourists.
The MPs also suggested that an inter-ministerial group be formed for the development of the circuit as it involves coordination and cooperation of various ministries like civil aviation, roads and highways among others.

Sharma said the opinion of the MPs is very valuable, keeping in mind the local requirements and ground realities of these constituencies falling under the Buddhist circuit.