BHOPAL: Decks are clear for arrival of Asiatic lions at Palpur-Kuno in Sheopura district from Gujarat following court decision. Thus, Palpur-Kuno will become centre of attraction for tourists from around the world. Chief Minister Chouhan has directed to chalk out a detailed action plan to put Madhya Pradesh on world tourism map.

Referring to immense global level tourism possibilities in Madhya Pradesh during a review meeting of Tourism and Culture departments here on Wednesday, Chouhan directed to establish identity of Madhya Pradesh through international level schemes. Events like Khajuraho dance festival, Bhagoriya Utsav and Tansen Samaroh need to be expanded further and marketed internationally.

He said that world-level publicity should be undertaken about immense global level tourism possibilities in Madhya Pradesh. Bharat Bhavan should not be confined within any realm and outstanding talents of arts, literature, music and drama should be invited to it from all over the world.

The Chief Minister directed to initiate steps to provide jobs to youths in tourism sector. He said that Madhya Pradesh has its unique culture, nature and spiritualism. This information should be disseminated to all tourism-related people in the world. This will facilitate international tourists to chalk out their tourism plans. He said that detailed publicity plans should be chalked out to promote tourism. There is no dearth of budget. He directed to identity and develop new tourism destinations.

Referring to Narmada-Kshipra Link Project, he said that a tourism spot can be developed at confluence of Narmada and Kshipra. New areas like Madai and Palpur-Kuno can be given global identity. Similarly, Chorna, Ratapani and beautiful jungle areas near Bhopal can also be developed as tourist attraction. Golf courses are being proposed at Sanchi and Khajuraho. Bhopal’s historic building Taj Mahal will also be readied for tourism without interfering with its archaeological status. A floating restaurant will be introduced in Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Park, Indore. The Chief Minister directed to start tourism activities in Sagar Island also.

The Chief Minister directed for special efforts to make Bharat Bhavan an international centre for displaying arts again. He said that novel and creative efforts are needed to establish global identity of Bharat Bhavan.

It was informed at the meeting that tourist arrival in the state was about 10 lakh in year 2006, which has reached 5 crore 30 lakh. Madhya Pradesh is pioneer in implementation of “Hunar Se Rozgar” scheme. About 3.50 thousand youths have got job in tourism sector in the state. Ayurvedic Health Centre will be constructed in 10 acres at Pachmarhi. Additional units of Madhya Pradesh Tourism have been set up at Choral, Mandsaur and Tamiya.

A 100-day action plan has been chalked out to promote tourism. Final touch is being given to 20 tourism schemes for giving new identity of tourism in the state. Strategy has been chalked out for wide publicity of international level events by fixing dates. Palpur-Kuno sanctuary is being developed from eco-tourism point of view. It was also informed that a new website of Tourism Department will be prepared in early 2014. It will contain facility of virtual tour of Sanchi, Orchha, Khajuraho and other tourist destinations.