Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) observes World Heritage Week from November 19 to November 25. The week is a commemoration of India’s rich tradition and JICA’s non stop support to safeguard the customs of the nation.
To develop tourism in the nation, JICA has backed a sequence of ODA loan schemes for example Tourism Development Project and Ajanta-Ellora Conservation and Tourism Development Project Phase 1 and Phase 2. These schemes target at fortifying the tourism industry by creating tourism-related infrastructure, development thorough tourism advancement and protection and conservation of World Heritage locations, etc. JICA has cumulatively granted an ODA loan of 20,320 million Japanese yen ( appropriately INR 1,319 Crore) for these schemes.
Tourism Development Project was to enhance infrastructure for example roads, bridges and facilities for the sightings of Buddhist relics in the state of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which have numerous historical Buddhist locations, to develop regional industry. The scheme broadened and enhanced the paving of 446km of country wide roads and 781km of state roads in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and constructed nine new bridges, so as to facilitate transport between tourist locations and decrease travel times. Additionally, water supply and electricity distribution infrastructure were laid to furnish yravellers from India and overseas with sufficient supplies of water and electricity, and rest opportunities to give overseas travellers, chiefly from Japan, with quality services. Data on tourist numbers from Sarnath and Kushinagar in U.P. show a stable rise from 1,409,000 in 1994, during the execution of the project, to 2,249,000 in 1999, after its conclusion.
Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, which were labelled as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1983, and other archaeological locations in the northern part of Maharashtra State needed the required conservation and preservation techniques. Their bedrock and wall murals had been affected by rainwater percolation and weathering. Particularly, the murals of Ajanta Caves had been degenerating for years and correctove measure was immediately required. There were also urgent requirements for enhancement of infrastructure, and promotion of provisions for travellers. JICA expanded its finance to the Ajanta–Ellora Conservation and Tourism Development Project for historic location fortifications, enhancement of nearby natural environment, airport facilities, road, water supply and sewerage system, power equipment and tourism management system.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, JICA India Office, said, A rich history adds a lot of character to destinations for tourists and visitors. JICA believes that investing in heritage sites is essential for better visitors satisfaction, comfort and experience. Tourism development can become especially powerful when cultural development through the conservation of iconic places is maintained. Convergence of quality infrastructure development and client-first visitors experience is secured by operators with the participation of academic, local, and private sectors. Each site is first studied and maintained in order to sustain its rich cultural history and prestige.
JICA is also assisting "The Project for Construction of the International Cooperation and Convention Center in Varanasi" which was stated in the Japan-India Joint Statement in November 2015 where Prime Minister Modi had lauded Japan's endeavours to support the construction of the Varanasi Convention Centre (VCC) and acknowledged its symbolic significance as a sign of fortifying bilateral ties. JICA signed a Grant Agreement Phase 1and Phase 2 respectively in 2017 and 2018 with the Government of India to furnish grant aid of up to total 3,042 million yen (approximately INR 197 Crore) for the scheme.
VCC is an advanced convention center, the provisions of which is targetted at furnishing scopes for social and cultural interactions between people both in and outside the nation. Through constructing a global cooperation and convention center, it is anticipated to fortify industrial competitiveness through development of the tourism segment in Varanasi. The design motifs of the convention center are Shivalingham (aniconic representation of the Hindu deity Shiva in Shaivism) and Rudraksha (a seed that is used as a prayer bead in Hinduism). It is anticipated to become a symbolic icon of Indian culture in the globe's oldest city, Varanasi.
To promote the linkage to the heritage locations in Delhi, the JICA backed Delhi Metro project’s Violet Line which is also termed as Heritage Line passes through numerous historical landmarks of the Old Delhi. Commuting to the locations such as Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid and Red Fort has got much easier for the people of Delhi and NCR after the commissioning of this section.
The heritage of India also lies in holy rivers of Yamuna and Ganga, JICA has been toiling closely with the Government of India in accomplishing the Prime Minister’s dream of Swachh Bharat (Clean India) of which Clean Ganga Mission forms a huge part. The Yamuna Action Plan Project and Ganga Action Plan Project are targeted for dcrease of pollution load in the rivers, increasing the aesthetics of the zone and furnishing better experience to local population and overseas travellers.
JICA’s endeavors in the segment have attracted countrywide as well as international commendations, accrediting Japan’s best practices to promote tourism attractiveness and competitiveness in India.
About JICA
Formed, by a particular law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) targets to contribute to the enhancement of global cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA execution. JICA is the globe's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA acts as a link between Japan and developing nations and furnishes assistance in the shape of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the developing nations can fortify their competencies.
By ANJISHNU BISWAS |
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