Chandigarh, April 21: A comprehensive plan is being prepared by the government to develop Kurukshetra as a major tourist attraction for visitors from across the country and the world, as the sacred land of the Gita. Under this plan, a master plan has been drafted for major projects from Pipli to Jyotisar, which will soon be presented for approval before Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
This was stated today by Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner & Secretary of the Tourism Department and Member Secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), during a meeting held at Haryana Niwas. Officials from the Kurukshetra Development Board, District Administration, Kurukshetra, and the Tourism Department were present in the meeting.
Dr. Agrawal said that, as per the directions of the Chief Minister, a plan has been prepared to develop Kurukshetra as a religious city and the land of the Gita in such a way that it attracts tourists from across the globe. Under this initiative, plans have been made to develop the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra and other important sites of Kurukshetra. A visit to the Kendra provides answers to many of life’s questions.
He further stated that the remaining construction work of the G-Block of the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra will be completed based on the themes of Glorious India and the Saraswati-Sindhu Civilization. The main entrance of the centre will be enhanced with grand mural designs. The centre will represent a journey into the soul of India, and officials have been given special directions for its development. Instructions have also been issued to establish a souvenir shop, food court, and photo shop within the centre. Keeping in view the summer season, directions have been given to extend the visiting hours so that more people can visit.
Dr. Agrawal informed that the Government of India plans to develop 50 world-class ‘iconic sites’ across the country, one of which will be in Haryana. For this, names of three sites from the state will be sent to the Central Government, including Kurukshetra. If selected under this scheme, the development of Kurukshetra will accelerate significantly and prove to be a milestone in tourism development. Officials have been directed to start identifying suitable locations for this initiative.
He added that the Chief Minister is very serious about developing Kurukshetra as the land of the Gita and will soon hold a meeting in this regard. Directions have also been given to undertake special publicity campaigns across the state to raise awareness about all tourist sites in Kurukshetra, especially the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, so that more people visit these destinations. He also emphasized organizing regular public participation activities in Kurukshetra.
Further, detailed directions have been issued for the beautification of all chowks, roads, and spaces under the newly constructed elevated railway track in Kurukshetra.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Kurukshetra Vishram Kumar Meena joined online, while KDB Chief Executive Officer Pankaj Setia, Honorary Secretary Upender Singhal, Additional Director of Tourism Department Mamta Sharma, and other officials were present in person.
