Kushinagar’s villages to be on rural tourism map
GORAKHPUR: The remote villages, situated along river Narayni in east UP’s Kushinagar district, where Gautam Buddha had attained Parinirvan (breathed his last) will be developed as tourist sites under the rural tourism scheme.
Ancient temples, remains of historical sites, lush green fields and the calm atmosphere away from busy life in cities are already attracting Bhojpuri film makers to shoot movies in these remote villages, going to be developed as tourist sites.
The villages- Shivpur, Hariharpur and Naryanpuronce safe hideouts of the notorious dacoits, are now set to be on tourism map of state as director general (tourism) Ravi Kumar NG has directed the regional tourism officer (RTO) Ravindra Mishra to send proposal for developing these villages as tourist sites under the rural tourism scheme.
Earlier, local BJP MLA of Khadda Jata Shankar Tripathi had made a request to the DG in this regard.
In DG’s letter, a copy of which is in HT’s possession, the RTO has been directed to conduct a survey of the villages and send proposal in two parts, each one of them to be funded by state and centre under the rural tourism scheme.
Some ancient temples, remains of historical sites as well as bank of Narayni river, which witnesses annual footfall of around two to three lakhs devotees on auspicious bathing days, have been cited as special features of the region, to be considered for its development as a tourist site, informed MLA Jata Shankar. “The villages are located at Bihar-Nepal border, close to Sohgibarwa bird sanctuary and their promotion under rural tourism will also boost eco tourism in the region. On my request, DG has asked for proposal for the project and hopefully it will take shape soon.” the MLA said.
He alleged that these important regions were overlooked by previous nonBJP governments.
When contacted RTO, Ravindra Mishra said “The survey work of villages will soon be undertaken.”