WB team visits MP to explore tourism development opportunities

A team from the World Bank is on a visit to Madhya Pradesh to explore possibilities of tourism development in the state.
Chief Secretary Antony DeSa discussed possibilities of development of major tourist destinations in the state with the World Bank team yesterday, an official release said.
Large number of domestic and foreign tourists visit Bhopal, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Orchha, Sanchi, Mandu, Chanderi, Pachmarhi and other destinations in the state, the release quoted the Chief Secretary as saying.
DeSa said that Tourism Department has developed a number of facilities at these places.
It is also necessary that urban bodies should increase their participation in integrated development of public tourism facilities in these cities, it said.

He informed that Madhya Pradesh has six tiger reserves and three World Heritage monuments. Of these, two are situated at Sanchi and one at Bhim Bethka near the state capital.

The Chief Secretary told the World Bank team that ancient building Sadar Manzil at Bhopal, which used to house headquarters of Municipal Corporation has now been vacated after making alternative arrangements for Municipal Corporation office.
Work has been started to give heritage look to Sadar Manzil and efforts are also underway to preserve nearby Gauhar Mahal.
The Chief Secretary informed that Sanchi, Mandu and Orchha have been developed as major tourist destinations.

Efforts are also being made for integrated development of human habitats at these places, it said, adding that the team expressed wish to cooperate in various projects in the state.