Parliament Question: Promotion of Tourism in Bhiwandi

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†111 ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 PROMOTION OF TOURIST IN BHIWANDI †111. SHRI BALYA MAMA SURESH GOPINATH MHATRE:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any proposal under consideration in respect of development of any religious site in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra under the PRASHAD Scheme;

(b) whether the Government has conducted any study to integrate the lakes, natural attractions and religious sites of Bhiwandi into a tourism circuit;

(c) whether the Union Government in collaboration with the State Government of Maharashtra is formulating any plan to promote eco- tourism and rural tourism in Bhiwandi; and

(d) it if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (d): The Ministry of Tourism under the scheme of “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) provides financial assistance to the State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations for development of tourism related infrastructure at identified religious and heritage sites across the country including Maharashtra.

Ministry of Tourism has not conducted any specific study to integrate the lakes, natural attractions and religious sites of Bhiwandi into a tourism circuit.

Proposals for seeking financial assistance for the development of the tourism related infrastructure including eco-tourism and rural tourism are formulated by the concerned State/UT. The proposalsreceived are examined in accordance with the prescribed guidelines, and financial assistance is provided subject to fulfilment of the prescribed criteria, availability of funds and other applicable conditions.

At present, no proposal related to development of any religious site in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra under the PRASHAD Scheme is under consideration in the Ministry. *****