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NDTV
13 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
Disneyland In Haryana? Chief Minister Saini Floats Idea For Economic Growth
New Delhi: In a significant initiative to transform Haryana into a global tourism hotspot, the Nayab Singh Saini government is gearing up for a series of ambitious projects that promise to boost the economy, create jobs, and firmly place Haryana on the international map. From building a world-class Disneyland in the heart of the Delhi-NCR region to expanding the scale of the International Gita Mahotsav, the Haryana government is set to become a hub of cultural celebration and spiritual heritage. Additionally, to establish the state as a global destination for pilgrimage, a proposal has been made to organise three Melas every year at Surajkund and to celebrate the International Gita Mahotsav on a larger scale, with a request for financial assistance from the Central Government. Leading this vision, the Chief Minister on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to discuss these ambitious projects. During the meeting, Mr Saini discussed ways to promote tourism in Haryana and preserve the state's rich cultural heritage, with the aim of establishing the state as a prominent tourist destination on the global map. CM Saini said that Disneyland in Haryana, particularly in the Delhi-NCR area, will be a game-changing project. This entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural, and social benefits not only to the state but to the country as a whole, he said. The Chief Minister stated that the project's objective is to capitalise on market potential and connectivity to create a world-class amusement centre. It will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, develop infrastructure, and bring major changes in the surrounding areas, he said. Nayab Singh Saini said that many Fortune companies have their headquarters in Gurugram, which is a major contributor to the state's economy. The upcoming Global City project in Gurugram will be another milestone for the region. Hence, Gurugram is the most suitable location for the proposed Disneyland, he said. He informed that approximately 500 acres of land near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar, Gurugram district, have been identified for the project. This site is strategically located on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, said the Chief Minister. He stated that the Disneyland project will significantly contribute to Haryana's economic growth. If Disneyland establishes its park in India, it will boost tourism and attract international tourists, thereby increasing revenue for both the state and the country, he said. The Chief Minister further shared that the International Surajkund Mela is held annually in the Faridabad district to position Haryana as a tourism hub and to provide a large platform for artisans from across India and abroad. The Mela showcases a unique blend of Indian art, culture, handicrafts, music, and cuisine. Every year, artisans, artists, and folk performers from around the world participate and exhibit their regional products and cultural heritage. The theme of the fair changes annually, focusing on a different Indian state to highlight its unique traditions and folk art. The Surajkund Mela is not only a celebration of Indian diversity but also a key cultural event that promotes tourism, he said. The Chief Minister stated that, considering the popularity of the Surajkund Mela, the government plans to organise a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair at Surajkund as well. This initiative will provide an excellent platform for artisans, artists, and folk performers from local, state, national, and international levels to showcase their talent, he said. The Chief Minister stated that the Haryana Government organises the International Gita Mahotsav every year to disseminate the message of 'karma' conveyed by Lord Krishna to the world. During the event, a crafts Mela and cultural programmes are held, attracting a large number of international artists and artisans, thereby fostering cultural exchange, he said. He emphasised that the International Gita Mahotsav is a major platform for establishing Haryana as a unique spiritual tourism destination with high potential to attract global tourists. To achieve this vision, active support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is essential. Hence, he urged the Central Government to provide financial assistance for organising the Gita Mahotsav on a grand scale, so that Haryana can emerge as a key pilgrimage destination on the global map.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India's first Disneyland park proposed in Manesar, says Haryana CM Saini
Haryana is planning something big for fun and tourism. Manesar could soon be home to India's first Disneyland-style theme park, promising to turn the state into a major hub for fun and tourism. The National Capital Region (NCR) could soon host India's first Disneyland amusement park, with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announcing a 500-acre mega entertainment hub in Manesar. The project, he said, is set to become a landmark in the state's tourism and infrastructure development. The Chief Minister revealed that the site for the park has been earmarked near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar, Gurugram district. The site is strategically situated along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor. 'Game-changer for Haryana', says CM Saini Calling the project a 'game-changer', Saini said the park will bring widespread economic, cultural, and social benefits, not just for Haryana but for the entire country. 'Manesar's proximity to Delhi, its infrastructure, and corporate presence make it the perfect location,' he said after meeting with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi. Saini said that the objective is to leverage Haryana's connectivity and market potential to create a world-class amusement centre. 'It will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, develop infrastructure, and bring major changes in the surrounding areas,' he said. Gurugram, already home to several Fortune 500 companies, is a key contributor to the state's economy. The proposed Disneyland-style park will further complement the upcoming Global City project. Saini said. 'Hence, Gurugram is the most suitable location for the proposed Disneyland.' Currently, Disneyland parks operated by the Walt Disney Company are located in California and Florida in the United States, Paris (France), Tokyo (Japan), and Hong Kong. Surajkund to host more cultural events In addition to the entertainment park, the Haryana government is working on positioning the state as a major global destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. Saini shared that the state has proposed hosting three annual melas at Surajkund, expanding the scale of celebrations at the International Gita Mahotsav, and seeking financial assistance from the Centre for the same. The Surajkund Mela, already an iconic event, attracts artisans, folk performers, and artists from across India and abroad. Each year, the fair focuses on the cultural traditions of a different Indian state. 'The Surajkund Mela is not only a celebration of Indian diversity but also a key cultural event that promotes tourism,' Saini said. Haryana eyes spiritual tourism boost To further enrich this platform, the government also plans to organise a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair at Surajkund. 'This initiative will provide an excellent platform for artisans, artists, and folk performers from local, state, national, and international levels to showcase their talent,' he said. Highlighting the significance of the International Gita Mahotsav, the chief minister said it offers a strong opportunity to brand Haryana as a spiritual tourism hub. 'To establish Haryana as a key pilgrimage destination globally, we need active support from the Union Tourism Ministry,' he said, requesting the Centre's help in organising the Mahotsav on a much grander scale. [With agency inputs]
Indian Express
4 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
In 17th-century Mughal-era Shalimar Bagh, palace complex, 3 heritage-era cottages unveiled after restoration
Once in a dilapidated condition, the palace complex in the 17th-century Mughal-era Shalimar Bagh in North Delhi has now been restored to its former glory. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday threw open to the public the revived Sheesh Mahal, a baradari (pavilion), and three heritage-era cottages. Of the three restored cottages, two have been adaptively reused — one now houses the 'Readers Café Corner', facilitating literary engagement, while 'Café Shalimar', the other, is where the visitors can come, eat, and enjoy with their loved ones. The third cottage has been repurposed for official use while maintaining its heritage character. The restoration was carried out by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) under the technical supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The work began following the L-G's visit to the site in January 2024. During that visit, the L-G had taken note of the dilapidated condition of the structures, which were buried under layers of silt and overgrown vegetation, according to the DDA. The Shalimar Bagh, DDA underlined, was built in 1653 and has witnessed multiple phases of Delhi's history — from the Mughal period to the British rule. As part of its restoration, while the ASI worked on conserving the architectural elements of Sheesh Mahal, the DDA redeveloped the surrounding garden in the traditional Char Bagh or a Persian-style garden layout. The baradari and cottages were restored using traditional material such as lakhori bricks, lime surkhi, lime concrete, and organic binders like gud, belgiri, and urad. Speaking at the unveiling event, Shekhawat said the Centre was committed to supporting conservation efforts in Delhi in line with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' (development with heritage). Hitting out at the previous AAP government, Shekhawat said, 'When this restoration project was first taken up by L-G Saxena, there was a repulsive government in Delhi. Now, there is a double-engine force multiplying government in Delhi, and CM Gupta, this will transform Delhi into 'New Delhi' soon.' L-G Saxena said the project would help preserve Delhi's architectural legacy and urged citizens to safeguard such restored spaces from future neglect. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister gave credit to the L-G for taking the lead in protecting heritage sites across the Capital and thanked him for his 'constant guidance' in developmental work. DDA said the latest project follows its recent conservation work at sites such as Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, St. James Church, and Anangpal Tomar Van.
Hans India
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Pradhan praises use of drones for Rath Yatra
Puri: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday praised Odisha Police's use of drones and other technology for foolproof security arrangements during Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra. Pradhan and Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat accompanied by Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and Puri MP Sambit Patra, visited the 'Integrated Command and Control Centre' (ICCC) set up by Odisha Police in Puri to reviewsecurity and surveillance preparedness during the Rath Yatra. 'To maintain order during the Rath Yatra in Puri and to control the crowd, Ivisited the Integrated Command and Control Centre established by Odisha Police. For the first time in the Rath Yatra, this arrangement by Odisha Police, utilising drones and other technology for monitoring, is highly useful and commendable,' Pradhan said in a post on X. Pradhan also said that this is a shining example of how technology can be used to safeguard tradition. The synergy of AI, drone surveillance and real-time command capabilities is commendable, he said. The ministers appreciated the use of technology-driven solutions implemented by Odisha Police and developed by Odisha-baseddefence tech startup IG Drones, a statement issued by the company said. For the first time in the history of Rath Yatra, Odisha Police has deployed advanced drone surveillance technology across key areas of the city—enabling real-time aerial monitoring of crowd movements, traffic flow and potential emergencies. Apart from drones, the police have also installed 275 AI-powered CCTV cameras, a real-time WhatsApp chatbot for public assistance and an Integrated Command and Control Centre for centralised coordination and data-driven decision-making, an official said.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat hails tourists boycotting Pakistan backers Turkey & Azerbaijan
New Delhi: Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat lauded Indians tourists who cancelled their trips to countries which supported the enemy nation during the recent escalation of tensions, and suggested that they should explore India for tourism instead. Talking to ET over these cancellations, Shekhawat said, "I salute those people who have cancelled their travel plans to such countries (Turkey and Azerbaijan ) which stood firmly with our enemies during these tough times. I salute their sense of patriotism." In a poetic way, the minister suggested to all these tourists to explore India, saying: "Hamare desh mein dekhane ko hai bohot kuch vishesh toh kyun jayein videsh (there are many special places in our country, then why go abroad). Stay here and see India." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Semua yang Perlu Anda Ketahui Tentang Limfoma Limfoma Pelajari Undo Following Operation Sindoor, and with both Turkey and Azerbaijan issuing statements backing Pakistan. The Azerbaijan foreign ministry had stated that their country "stands in solidarity with the people of Pakistan" and similarly Turkey described India's strike against terror camps as an "unprovoked violation of Pakistan's sovereignty". As per data shared by online travel platform EaseMyTrip , 287,000 Indians visited Turkey last year, while 243,000 travelled to Azerbaijan. Live Events Several online travel platforms also suspended flights and hotel bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan. In both these countries, tourism is an essential part of their respective GDPs. Tourism contributes 12% of the GDP in Turkey.
