Tourism dept plans to beautify Pushkar with 200cr budget

Jaipur: The tourism department is in the process of approving a plan to improve the infrastructure at Pushkar with a budget of around Rs 200 crore. The works are planned to raise the aesthetics of the ghats around the lake, block rainwater bringing sewage with it, create parking facilities, and landscape areas around the temple town.

Sources said the consultant appointed for the project explained the development plan to the tourism minister last week and estimated expenses of about Rs 200 crore. A senior official in the tourism department said, "The revised plans have been reviewed by the tourism minister a couple of times. The expenses are expected to be around Rs 200 crore for the upgradation, beautification, and infrastructure development in the town."

With regard to tying up funds, the source said that the department is looking to approach the Central govt for availing funds under various schemes to implement the rejuvenation works. "The department is also ready to pitch in with state funds if all the funds are not sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Tourism. But the development works will start soon after the approval of the works by the minister," said the sources.

The plan will also include the development of a corridor like the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, with the addition of attractions keeping in view the spiritual character of the temple town. In the past, people of the city raised concerns about drain water entering the water during the monsoon. The civil works proposed in the plan will not only end the problem but also beautify the banks of the land, offering a better visitor experience.