Urban Development Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu has launched the National Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) with the aim of preserving and rejuvenating India's rich cultural heritage.
"No nation can move forward ignoring its cultural heritage and legacy. India is a diverse land of languages and religions and we need to preserve the legacy of all kinds. HRIDAY is a step towards reviving the soul of cities hosting such rich heritage," Naidu said.
Elaborating on the new initiative, Naidu said, 'HRIDAY seeks to promote an integrated, inclusive and sustainable development of heritage sites, focusing not just on maintenance of monuments, but on advancement of the entire eco-system, including its citizens, tourists and local businesses."
He said with 32 UNESCO recognized natural and cultural heritage sites, ranking second in Asia and fifth in the world, the tourism potential of the country is still to be fully harnessed and the new scheme will help in this regard.
He said on Wednesday that a sum of Rs.500 crores would be provided by the Center to twelve cities selected in the first phase under the 'Central Schme' of HRIDY.
He however, urged states and local urban bodies to supplement their resources for rapid development of heritage cities. He also called for involvement of NGOs, spiritual organisations and private sector for effective implementation of the scheme.
Based on city population, Varanasi was allocated Rs.89.31 crores, Amritsar (Rs.69.31 crores), Warangal(Rs.40.54 crores), Ajmer (Rs.40.04 crores), Gaya (Rs.40.04 crores, Mathura (Rs.40.04 crores), Kanchipuram (Rs.23.04 crores), Vellankini(Rs.22.26 crores), Amaravati(Rs.22.26 crores), Badami (Rs.22.26 crores), Dwaraka(Rs.22.26 crores) and Puri (Rs.22.54 crores).