Dekho Apna Desh, People’s Choice 2024: PM Modi Dedicates Projects Worth Over ₹1,400 Cr
Participate in Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice Challenge by Ministry of Tourism
India's journey towards becoming a premier global tourism destination took a significant step forward as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated a series of tourism infrastructure projects worth ₹469 Crore under the Swadesh Darshan and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) schemes. This monumental initiative, announced via video conferencing from Srinagar, highlights the government's commitment to enhancing pilgrimage, spiritual, and heritage destinations across the country. In addition, 43 other projects worth ₹963 Crore were simultaneously launched, marking a new chapter in India's holistic tourism development.
A Landmark Initiative Across 52 Destinations
The ambitious project rollout spanned 52 destinations, showcasing the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Tourism, state governments, Union Territory administrations, and local authorities. This initiative aims to provide world-class infrastructure to untapped pilgrimage and heritage sites, thereby boosting local economies, generating employment, and fostering cultural pride.
Among the highlights of the day were the dedication of three major projects under the PRASHAD scheme in:
Hazratbal, Srinagar
Jogulamba, Telangana
Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh
Collectively, these projects represent an investment of ₹129.35 Crore, focusing on developing essential pilgrim facilities such as:
Pilgrim facilitation centers
Ghat development
Façade illumination
Sound and light shows
Parking areas
Queue complexes
Safety and security infrastructure
These enhancements are designed to provide a seamless and enriched experience for visitors while preserving the cultural and historical essence of the sites.
Expanding India's Tourism Footprint
In addition to the flagship PRASHAD projects, 14 other initiatives across states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Mizoram, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana were launched. With a total investment of ₹320.8 Crore, these projects aim to:
Develop pilgrimage and heritage sites previously untouched by significant tourism development
Strengthen India's position as a cultural and spiritual tourism hub
Create sustainable tourism practices that integrate local communities
This expansion underlines the government's broader mission of equitable tourism development, ensuring that remote and lesser-known destinations receive the necessary attention and infrastructure to thrive.
Driving Participation: 'Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024'
Prime Minister Modi also unveiled three visionary campaigns to foster sustainable and responsible tourism growth under the Jan Bhagidari (people's participation) initiative. A key highlight of this initiative is the 'Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024' campaign, a nationwide poll aimed at identifying the most preferred tourist destinations across five distinct categories:
Spiritual
Cultural & Heritage
Nature & Wildlife
Adventure
Others
Through this campaign, the Ministry of Tourism seeks to engage citizens directly, empowering them to shape the future of tourism in India by nominating and voting for their favorite destinations. The initiative reflects a participatory approach, ensuring that tourism development aligns with public sentiment and aspirations.
Citizens can cast their votes and participate in the polling process via the official portal:
https://innovateindia.mygov.in/dekho-apna-desh/
This campaign is a crucial step in identifying attractions and prioritizing development in mission mode, contributing significantly to India's Vision 2047 (Viksit Bharat @2047) – a roadmap for India's transformation into a developed nation by 2047.
A Step Towards Viksit Bharat 2047
The launch of these projects and campaigns underscores the government's unwavering focus on enhancing India's tourism potential. By leveraging public participation, harnessing technology, and prioritizing infrastructure, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in the tourism sector. The comprehensive development of pilgrimage, heritage, and nature-based destinations will not only boost India's tourism GDP but also preserve the nation's rich cultural legacy for future generations.
Prime Minister Modi's vision for tourism aligns seamlessly with the broader objective of economic growth, sustainable development, and community involvement. This multifaceted approach ensures that India's tourism sector grows inclusively, benefiting diverse regions and communities while creating new avenues for economic empowerment.
India's latest tourism initiatives highlight a significant leap forward in infrastructure, engagement, and vision. As the country continues its journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047, these projects pave the way for a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable tourism sector. By embracing the spirit of Jan Bhagidari and engaging citizens in the process, India sets the foundation for a future where its heritage and natural beauty serve as pillars of economic growth and cultural pride.