Tourism Department set to develop ?monuments of faith?

THE TOURISM Department has been entrusted with the task of developing the 'monuments of faith'.

These venues attract a large number of pilgrims as well as tourists throughout the year but they are located in quite underdeveloped areas and lack of basic facilities often causes great discomfort to the visitors.

"In order to overcome this drawback, at present we have selected a few significant spots which really need to be evolved," said RK Yadav, regional tourist officer.

"Raghavendra temple in Baraon, Ramchaura in Shringverpur, the place from where Lord Ram crossed the Ganga, Durvasa Ashram in Handia, Valmiki Ashram in Pava and Sudishth Ashram in Paranipur are the places which will be developed and beautified by the department," said Yadav.

"The total amount of Rs 66 lakh has already been sanctioned by the State Government and the work will start within 15 days.

We are planning to finish the entire job within six months," said Yadav.

The department is planning to equip the selected venues with the basic facilities such as shades for tourists, arrangement of drinking water in the area, proper lighting arrangements, installation of seating arrangement and also beautifying the area.

"The bathing ghat at Phaphamau will be made pucca and it will be developed as the main ghat. The amount earmarked for the purpose is Rs 3.93 lakh," said Yadav.

"We are planning to include the venues in our special touring programmes meant for tourists," he added. In the second phase of development, the stress will be laid on maintenance of roads leading to these venues.

Likewise, the historical monuments of the city will be opened for the public even during nights. Through its yet another commendable step, the Tourism Department will install floodlights at the historical monuments of the city.

"At present we have chosen All Saint's Cathedral, Allahabad University (specifically Vijayanagaram Hall) and Public Library which will have such facility.

An amount of Rs 50 lakh has been approved and the work will start within a month," he said.

"Despite the city being rich with the monumental heritage, it is unfortunate to let it lie neglected at night. This new concept of providing floodlights will attract more tourists and add to the magnificence of the monuments," said Yadav.