Parliament Question: Pilgrim destinations under PRASHAD scheme in J&K

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.218 ANSWERED ON 12.03.2026 PILGRIM DESTINATIONS UNDER PRASHAD SCHEME IN J&K 218 SHRI SAT PAUL SHARMA: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) the pilgrimage destinations in Jammu & Kashmir supported under the PRASHAD scheme during the last year; (b) whether carrying capacity and crowd-flow studies were conducted at those sites; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) how safety, sanitation and accessibility gaps were addressed at those sites; (e) whether coordination with the Union Territory administration and shrine/temple authorities has improved operations; (f) if so, the details thereof; and (g) the outcomes observed during peak pilgrimage seasons in the Union Territory? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (g): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. ********STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (g) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.218 ANSWERED ON 12.03.2026 REGARDING PILGRIM DESTINATIONS UNDER PRASHAD SCHEME IN J&K RAISED BY SHRI SAT PAUL SHARMA (a): Ministry of Tourism under the “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) provides financial assistance to the State Governments (SGs) and Union Territory Administrations (UTAs) for development of tourism infrastructure at identified religious and heritage sites across the country including Jammu & Kashmir. The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned a project namely ‘Development at Hazratbal’ in the year 2016-17 at a cost of ₹40.46 crore in Jammu & Kashmir under PRASHAD Scheme, which stands completed. However, no project has been sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir during the last year. (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 the said project which includes site development (boundary walls, landscaping, illumination of shrine precincts), approach road, public convenience block and entrance gateway, tensile structure for shading, aerators for rejuvenation of dal lake, construction of prefabricated shopping kiosks, cast iron fencing of lake shore from naseem bagh till hazratbal, signage, illumination, multi- storied parking etc. (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 are handed 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. ******