Parliament Question: Development of Temples under PRASHAD in Himachal Pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†2481 ANSWERED ON 03.08.2026 DEVELOPMENT OF TEMPLES UNDER PRASHAD IN HIMACHAL PRADESH †2481. DR. RAJEEV BHARADWAJ: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) the details of number of temples approved for development by the Government under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme in Himachal Pradesh, district-wise, including Kangra and Chamba districts; (b) whether in view of the significance of the prominent pilgrimage sites i.e., Jai Shri Nandikeshwar Dham and the Aadi Himani Chamunda Devi Temple situated at the peak of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, the Government proposes to undertake restoration and rejuvenation work under scheme of the said sites; and (c) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a): Development of tourism infrastructure is primarily undertaken by the respective State Governments (SGs) and Union Territory Administrations (UTAs). However, Ministry of Tourism under its Scheme “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) provides financial assistance to the SGs and UTAs for development of tourism related infrastructure at identified religious and heritage sites across the country. No project has been sanctioned in Himachal Pradesh under the PRASHAD Scheme. However, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned various infrastructure development projects under the Schemes of Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) and Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) in the State of Himachal Pradeshincluding Kangra and Chamba districts. The details of which are annexed. (b) to (c): Currently, no proposal is under consideration for the restoration and rejuvenation of Jai Shri Nandikeshwar Dham and the Aadi Himani Chamunda Devi Temple situated at the peak of the Dhauladhar mountain under the PRASHAD Scheme. However, receiving proposals from the State Governments and UT Administrations for financial assistance for tourism projects is a continuous process. The proposals received are examined with reference to the prescribed guidelines and financial assistance is extended for such projects subject to fulfilment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds. *******ANNEXURE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PART (A) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†2481 ANSWERED ON 03.08.2026 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF TEMPLES UNDER PRASHAD IN HIMACHAL PRADESH RAISED BY DR. RAJEEV BHARADWAJ List of Projects sanctioned in Himachal Pradesh under Swadesh Darshan Scheme (In ₹ Crore) Sr. Circuit/ Name of the Project Amount No. Sanction Sanctioned Year 1. Himalayan Development of Himalayan Circuit: 68.34 2016-17 Kiarighat, Shimla, Hatkoti, Manali, Kangra, Dharamshala, Bir, Palampur, Chamba List of Projects sanctioned in Himachal Pradesh under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme (In ₹ Crore) Sr. Destination Name of the Project Sanction Amount No. Year Sanctioned 1. Chintpurni Development of Maa 2025-26 56.26 Chintpurni Devi Temple, Una List of sanctioned projects under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme (In ₹ Crore) Sr. Destination/ Name of the Project Sanction Amount No. Category Year Sanctioned 1. Kaza (Culture& Tourism 2024-25 24.82 Heritage) Infrastructure development at Kaza 2. Rakchham Tourism 2024-25 4.96 (Vibrant Village Infrastructure Programme) Development at Rakcham - Vibrant Village ******