World Bank Assistance for Tourist Circuit of Mathura-Vrindavan Braj Areas The Uttar Pradesh Pro Poor Tourism Development Project has been approved by the Screening Committee of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and has been posed to the World Bank for an external assistance of USD 210 million. The above project aims to contribute to improving living conditions and increasing income opportunities for poor through enhanced tourism development in selected destinations in the Buddhist Circuit, Braj region and Agra. The Project will leverage resources through advisory and technical assistance and financing for institutional strengthening, asset rehabilitation, infrastructure and services along the Buddhist Circuit and Braj Agra Corridor. This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge), and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a written reply to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha today. NB/NK/PB