Govt approves Rs 350 cr project for developing infrastructure

The Centre has approved projects worth Rs 350 crore for developing infrastructure at heritage sites, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu announced today, highlighting the importance of such sites in boosting tourism in the country.

Observing that India is blessed with "tangible and intangible" heritage assets with 32 World Heritage Sites recognised by UNESCO, he said the country ranks 5th in the world and 2nd in Asia in terms of number of such sites.

Addressing a two-day conference on heritage cities, Naidu, however, pointed out that the heritage management has often been carried out in isolation with no linkages to urban planning process.

He highlighted the importance of heritage sites for tourism and said India attracts millions of tourists every year, generating revenue of Rs 2 lakh crore or 6.6 per cent of the GDP.

Noting that France has expressed interest in works related to waterfront development, he said two cities, namely Puri and Varanasi, have also identified such projects.

The Minister said HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) scheme was launched by the government two years ago for heritage and tourism-oriented urban development.

He also highlighted the need for convergence of schemes like Smart City and AMRUT to reinforce the cultural and heritage India.