Centre Approves Rs 45.62 Crore More for Sivagiri Tourism Development

The Centre has sanctioned an additional Rs 45.62 crore for the development of the Sivagiri pilgrimage circuit in Kerala under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, the Sivagiri Mutt said.

The additional allocation was made following a special request from the mutt for developing tourism-related infrastructure and facilities at Sivagiri, it said in a social media post.

The pilgrimage circuit, associated with social reformer and spiritual leader Sree Narayana Guru, includes Sivagiri, Chempazhanthy, Aruvippuram and Kunnumpuram. The project was initially sanctioned in 2019 under the Swadesh Darshan 1.0 scheme, with an allocation of Rs 66.69 crore. Of this, works worth Rs 48.64 crore are currently under implementation, according to the mutt.

The newly sanctioned Rs 45.62 crore will be utilised for a range of additional tourism facilities, including a tourism facilitation centre, audio-visual show, community dining hall, lighting and landscaping, the mutt said.

The Sivagiri Mutt expressed gratitude to those involved in securing and implementing the projects. The development is expected to strengthen infrastructure at the pilgrimage destination and improve facilities for visitors coming to Sivagiri, a prominent spiritual centre associated with the teachings and legacy of Sree Narayana Guru.

The Union Tourism Ministry launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme in January 2015 to develop theme-based tourist circuits across the country.

The scheme was subsequently revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, with a focus on developing sustainable and responsible destinations through a tourist- and destination-centric approach. Under the revamped scheme, the government aims to improve tourism infrastructure and experiences while promoting destinations in a sustainable manner.

The additional allocation for Sivagiri comes as part of efforts to enhance facilities at important pilgrimage and tourism destinations and provide visitors with improved amenities.

The project also covers locations associated with Sree Narayana Guru, whose social reform movement had a significant influence on Kerala's social and cultural landscape.