Centre Sanctions ₹146.50 Cr for Tourism Projects in Telangana under PRASHAD
Table of Contents
Relevance:
Culture & Heritage of Telangana
Important Keywords
For Prelims:
- PRASHAD Scheme, Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive, Central Sector Scheme, , Spiritual Tourism, Heritage Tourism, Jogulamba Devi Temple (Alampur), Ramappa Temple (Mulugu), Bhadrachalam Temple, Sri Renuka Yellamma Temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site,
For Mains:
- Spiritual Tourism–Led Development, Heritage Conservation, Pilgrim Experience Enhancement, Cultural Preservation, Regional Economic Development, Employment Generation, Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure Development, Centre–State Cooperation, Local Livelihoods, Community Participation, Inclusive Growth, Cultural Economy of Telangana
Why in News?
- The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned ₹146.50 crore for four pilgrimage and heritage tourism projects in Telangana under the PRASHAD scheme to enhance spiritual tourism infrastructure.
About PRASHAD Scheme
- Full form: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive
- Type: Central Sector Scheme
- Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Tourism
- Beneficiaries:
- State Governments
- Union Territory Administrations
- Objective:
- Development of tourism infrastructure at identified pilgrimage destinations
- Enhancement of spiritual and pilgrim experience
Objectives of PRASHAD
PRASHAD focuses on creating world-class amenities at prominent pilgrimage and heritage sites by improving connectivity, sanitation, interpretation facilities, landscaping, lighting, and visitor services. The scheme aligns with the broader goals of heritage conservation, regional development, and sustainable tourism.
Projects Sanctioned in Telangana
Under the scheme, four major projects have been approved in Telangana, covering some of the state’s most important religious and heritage destinations:
- Jogulamba Devi Temple, Alampur:
The development works at this Shakti Peetha have been completed at a cost of ₹33.07 crore, improving basic amenities and pilgrim facilities. - Ramappa Temple, Mulugu district:
For pilgrimage and heritage tourism infrastructure development, the Ministry has sanctioned ₹62 crore, of which ₹32.73 crore has already been released. The project complements the temple’s UNESCO World Heritage status and aims to boost both domestic and international tourism. - Bhadrachalam, Bhadradri-Kothagudem district:
The Ministry has sanctioned ₹41.38 crore for pilgrimage infrastructure development, with ₹8.43 crore released so far. The project focuses on improving facilities for devotees visiting the famous Sri Rama temple. - Sri Renuka Yellamma Temple:
An amount of ₹4.22 crore has been sanctioned for the development of basic amenities. However, funds are yet to be released, indicating pending implementation.
- Jogulamba Devi Temple, Alampur:
Significance
The sanctioned projects reflect the Centre’s commitment to spiritual tourism-led development in Telangana. By upgrading pilgrimage infrastructure, PRASHAD not only enhances the religious experience of pilgrims but also supports local livelihoods, cultural preservation, and regional economic growth. Once fully implemented, these projects are expected to strengthen Telangana’s position on India’s spiritual and heritage tourism map.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to the PRASHAD Scheme, consider the following statements:
- It provides financial assistance to States and UTs for pilgrimage tourism infrastructure.
- It emphasises inclusive, sustainable development and livelihood generation.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Culture.
-
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 1 – Correct PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, providing financial assistance to State Governments and UT Administrations for developing infrastructure at identified pilgrimage destinations.
- Statement 2 – Correct The scheme follows an inclusive, integrated and sustainable approach, focusing on livelihoods, skills, cleanliness, accessibility, security and service delivery, thereby contributing to employment generation and local capacity building.
- Statement 3 – Incorrect PRASHAD is implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, not the Ministry of Culture (though the Minister may hold both portfolios).