Shimla: There is currently no proposal before the Union tourism ministry to include the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba and associated sites under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, Lok Sabha was informed.Responding to a question by Kangra BJP MP Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj, Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the ministry had, however, sanctioned a Rs 68.3-crore project under the Swadesh Darshan scheme in 2016-17 for development of the Himalayan Circuit covering Kiarighat, Shimla, Hatkoti, Manali, Kangra, Dharamshala, Bir, Palampur and Chamba.The Manimahesh Yatra, dedicated to Lord Shiva, begins on Aug 25. The pilgrimage route passes through Chamba and Bharmaur, with buses operating up to Hadsar. Pilgrims then trek around 13 km to reach the Manimahesh Lake, situated at about 13,000 feet at the foot of Kailash peak.The PRASHAD scheme provides financial assistance to states and UTs for tourism infrastructure at identified pilgrimage destinations. Shekhawat said development of tourist destinations and products is primarily undertaken by state govts and UT administrations, with the Centre supplementing their efforts through schemes including Swadesh Darshan, SD2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development and PRASHAD.He said proposals for central funding are formulated by the concerned state govts and UTs and examined under prescribed guidelines, with assistance subject to stipulated conditions and availability of funds.
