Parliament Question: Management of pilgrim destinations

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1573 ANSWERED ON 12.02.2026 MANAGEMENT OF PILGRIM DESTINATIONS 1573 SHRI NARHARI AMIN: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) the pilgrimage destinations supported under PRASHAD scheme during the last year; (b) whether carrying capacity and crowd-flow studies were conducted; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) the measures taken to address gaps between safety, sanitation and accessibility; (e) whether coordination with State Governments and temple authorities has improved operations; (f) if so, the details thereof; and (g) the outcomes observed during peak pilgrimage seasons? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a): Ministry of Tourism under the “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) provides financial assistance to the State Governments (SGs) and UT Administrations (UTs) for development of tourism infrastructure at identified religious and heritage sites across the country. During the year 2025, a total of 7 projects were sanctioned under the PRASHAD Scheme the details of which are placed at Annexure. (b) to (c): Carrying capacity and crowd-flow parameters form an integral part of project planning under the PRASHAD Scheme. As per the scheme guidelines, selection of pilgrimage destinations takes into account the carrying capacity of a destination to manage pilgrim inflows. (d): To address gaps of safety, sanitation and accessibility, key interventions have been sanctioned under PRASHAD projects which includes development of pedestrian pathways, lighting, CCTV surveillance, drinking water facilities, toilets, solid waste management systems, fire fighting, fire alarm, signages among others to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for pilgrims. (e) to (f): In accordance with the Scheme Guidelines respective State Government /UT administration formulates comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) for projects in consultations with the respective administration, local bodies and other stakeholders. The projects sanctioned under the said scheme are implemented by the State/UT Government concerned. The funding pattern under the Scheme outlines that the 5th installment of the project i.e., 5% of the project cost is released after successful operation and maintenance. Further, the infrastructure so created arehanded over to the respective temple shrine/religious trusts through the concerned State Government/ UT administration. (g): The vital facilities created under the PRASHAD Scheme such as pathways, lighting, drinking water, toilets and access arrangements at the sites help local authorities in managing the movement of pilgrims and in providing essential services during periods of high footfall. ******ANNEXURE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1573 ANSWERED ON 12.02.2026 REGARDING MANAGEMENT OF PILGRIM DESTINATIONS RAISED BY SHRI NARHARI AMIN List of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD Scheme in year 2025 S. State/UT Project Name Sanctioned Sanctioned Cost No. Year (₹ in Crore) 1 Bihar Development of Ambika Bhawani Temple, March 2025 13.29 Saran 2 Karnataka Development of Renuka Yallama Devi temple March 2025 18.37 3 Karnataka Development of Basic Amenities at Papnash March 2025 22.25 Temple, Bidar dist. 4 Mizoram Development of Basic Amenities under March 2025 5.47 PRASHAD scheme in Vangchhia, Champhai District 5 Puducherry Development of Pilgrim Facilites & Tourist March 2025 25.94 attractions for Sri Dharbaranyeswara Temple 6 Tamil Nadu Development of 8 Navagraha Temples March 2025 40.94 7 Telangana Development of Basic Amenities at goddess March 2025 4.22 Renuka Yellama Devasthanam *****