Japan K Pathak, Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has taken a decision to grant the status of an independent department to the Tourism department. So far, Tourism department is part of the Industries department. Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai has made provision of Rs. 1.43 crore for this purpose in annual budget he presented on February 20.

Desai has proposed an allocation of Rs. 50 crore for the beautification of tourist destinations, Rs. 1.90 crore for the creation of new posts at the office of Director Tourism, Rs. 10 crore for the niche tourism segment, Rs. 15 crore for integrated tourism destination management (ITDM), and Rs. 10 crore for investment promotion, among other works.

The budget also has a provision of Rs. 160 crore for the development of the Ambaji Corridor project to be constructed at Ambaji Yatradham for the financial year 2025. The total project, which is going to be rolled out in various phases, will realize at the cost of around Rs. 1200 crore.

A Rs. 74 crore provision has been made for the Integrated Destination Development project. Rs. 4 crore allocation is proposed regarding master planning and comprehensive development of Shri Bahucharaji Yatradham at Bechraji. A Rs. 15 crore allocation is made for the overall development of ancient temples from Sapta Rishi’s shrine to Jagannathji Mandir and Atalghat Chowk as a tourist circuit in Ahmedabad city.

A Rs. 10 crore sum is proposed for the overall development of Girnar Yatradham. A Rs. 2 crore allocation is made for the overall development of Dakor Yatradham at Dakor.  DeshGujarat