Bithoor to come up as a tourist spot

The state government had plans to develop Bithoor, with historical and religious significance, as a prominent tourist spot and a project report regarding this had been submitted to the Centre for approval, State Tourism Minister Kokab Hamid said here today.

Laying the foundation of a Rs 4.5 crore project at the Nanarao Peshwa Park near here, Hamid said Bithoor could be developed as a tourist spot to attract people interested in history for its links with Nanarao Peshwa and Rani Lakshmibai and as a religious place for its Mahabharata and Ramayana connections.

Hamid said it was widely believed that a 75 km tunnel route, between Barnala Lakshagrih and Hastinapur built by the Pandavas was now in Bithoor.

The place could hence be developed as a Mahabharata circuit, he said. It was also the place where the Pandavas demanded five villages from the Kauravas, he added.

Apart from this, it is also believed that Sita had spent a few years in this place. Due to all these, the place could be developed as a religious spot, Hamid added.

About the historical significance, Bithoor was the place where Nanarao Peshwa challenged the British and Rani Lakshmibai had spent her childhood in this region, he said.

The minister also announced a special grant of Rs 15 lakh to organise "Bithoor Mahotsav" scheduled in March.