New GT circuits in Haryana
The government will develop new Golden Triangle (GT) circuits from Panchkula to Mahendergarh; for which expenses will be borne by the MOT, Govt of India.
Under the concept of Circuit Tourism introduced by the Ministry of Tourism, the Haryana Tourism Department has identified a Rural Tourism cluster to be developed in the Brij area of Palwal district. The government will develop new GT circuits from Panchkula to Mahendergarh for which expenses will be borne by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. This was revealed by Vijai Vardhan, Principal Secretary, Haryana Tourism and Vice-Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority.
The circuits already developed under the scheme are Panipat-Kurukshetra-Pinjore Circuit (Phase-1); Panipat-Kurukshetra-Pinjore circuit (Phase 2); and Yamunanagar-Panchkula-Paonta Sahib as a mega tourism circuit. Under the Circuit Tourism concept, introduced by the Ministry, development of infrastructure, upgradation, beautification and restoration of old monuments
The 2013 edition of Surajkund Mela had created history with the highest footfalls recorded on a single day at 1,42,000
and places of historical and cultural importance are taken up for integrated development and financed by the Centre. Vardhan was speaking on the sidelines of the 28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
Talking about the evolution of Surajkund Crafts Mela as a Haryana Tourism product, Vardhan added, “For the first time, 10 per cent rebate will be given for online booking for the fairs. In 1989, the Mela had a footfall of 1.75 lakh, while 2010 saw 7.54 lakh visitors in the Mela. 2011 saw a 20 per cent increase in the number of visitors with 1,42,000 footfalls, creating a record.”
According to Vardhan, the department is expanding banqueting and conferencing facilities and several hotel managements, catering institutes and amusement parks are also being set up. “The Corporation had previously commissioned convention centres at Surajkund, Faridabad and at Tilyar Lake, Rohtak. A convention hall of 1000-person capacity is now being constructed at Red Bishop Tourist Complex, Panchkula,” he stated.