Haryana to promote Kurukshetra as World Heritage site

Chandigarh, Aug 5: Keeping in view the archaeological and religious significance of Kurukshetra, the Haryana government has decided to get this holy city included in the list of World Heritage sites of UNESCO and develop this place of antiquity as global tourist destination.

Kurukshetra fulfilled most of the selection criteria for its inclusion in the list of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO, it was felt during a meeting Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had with Minister of State for Tourism Kiran Chaudhary and senior officers of the Tourism Department.

Till date, 750 properties or world natural and cultural heritages had been included in the list of World Heritage sites of UNESCO and out of these, 26 properties belonged to India.

It may be recalled that the general conference of UNESCO held in Paris in 1972 had decided that the sites of cultural and natural heritages all over the world be selected and a fund for protection of these sites be created. India is one of the signatories of the resolution adopted in this conference.

Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary (Tourism) Sanjay Kothari said that global expression of interest would also be invited for development, marketing and positioning of Kurukshetra as an international tourist destination. The Union Ministry of Tourism has been urged to sanction funds for development of Kurukshetra under the scheme of Mega Tourism Project.

Mr Kothari said the conservation and restoration work of heritage building of 500-year old Yadvindra Gardens at Pinjore, near here, has been taken up.

''The famous Mughal Garden, which is one of the four Mughal Gardens in Pakistan and India, was made by Aurangzeb's General Fidai Khan and later on upgraded by the Maharaja of Patiala. The Central Government has sanctioned over Rs 4.25 crore for restoration and conservation of this historic gardens,'' he said.

The existing restaurant and bar lobby at the garden would also be upgraded.

It was informed that that ancient Bhima Devi Temple and Pinjore Gardens would be developed as an integrated complex. The Bhima Devi Temple is believed to be built between 9th and 11th century AD.

Reviewing the process to set up unique hotel management institutes at Faridabad and Rohtak in the private sector, it was decided that the government would given preference to the institutions which have tie ups or collaborations with reputed international universities.

Mr Kothari said the proposed institutes would impart knowledge, training and skills in the disciplines of hotel management, hospitality administration, culinary art and allied trades of travel and tourism.

As many as 25 per cent of the seats would be reserved for domiciles of Haryana in all courses and programmes of these institutes.

Director of Tourism Vijai Vardhan said a multi-purpose hall having a capacity of 600 persons was under construction at Surajkund at a cost of Rs 4.24 crores, out of which the Central government has provided Rs 1.08 crores.

Similarly, a multi-purpose hall with a capacity of 1000 persons is being constructed at Rohtak at a cost of Rs 3.03 crores for which Rs 2.60 crores has been provided by the Central Government.

Another multi-purpose hall will be constructed at Bhiwani for a capacity of 350 persons at a cost of Rs 56.38 lakhs.

UNI