Northeast Desk, 24th November: The central government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative aims to boost tourism in the northeastern region, known for its rich natural and cultural heritage. A total of fifteen locations have been selected, including two from each of the seven northeastern states and one from Manipur.
During the 11th International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Shillong, officials from the Tourism Ministry provided updates on the PRASHAD programme and shared details about the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. Under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, Rs 29.32 crore has been sanctioned for the development of four significant religious tourism sites in Meghalaya: Nartiang Shakti Peeth, Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church, Aitnar Pool, and Charantala Kali Temple.
The selected locations include Nacho and Mechuka from Arunachal Pradesh, Shillong and Sohra from Meghalaya, Aizawl and Champhai from Mizoram, Jorhat and Kokrajhar from Assam, Moirang (Bishnupur) from Manipur, Niuland and Chumukedima from Nagaland, Gangtok and Gyalshing from Sikkim, and Agartala and Unakoti from Tripura. These initiatives aim to enhance tourism infrastructure and promote the unique cultural and natural heritage of the northeastern region.