PRASHAD Scheme : Development of Chamundi Hills
After years of back and forth between the Karnataka government and the Centre, there is finally some progress on the development of Chamundi Hills under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme of the Central government.
- The PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive) was launched in the year 2014-2015 under the Ministry of Tourism.
- It is a Central Sector Scheme with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
- The primary objective of the scheme is to develop tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites, ensuring a more enriching experience for pilgrims and heritage enthusiasts.
- Under the scheme, the ministry provides financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations for the development of tourism infrastructure at these sites.
- Additionally, the scheme incorporates voluntary contributions through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
- The scheme aims at infrastructure development such as entry points (road, rail, and water transport), last-mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like information/interpretation centers, ATMs/money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport, area lighting and illumination with renewable sources of energy, parking, drinking water, toilets, cloakrooms, waiting rooms, first aid centers, craft bazaars/haats/souvenir shops/cafeterias, rain shelters, telecom facilities, internet connectivity, etc.
