Sub-Regional Plan for Sub-Region of NCR-2021 Chapter 13 Heritage and Tourism

Chapter 13 : HERITAGE AND TOURISM

13.1 Introduction The Sub-Regional plan focuses on the balanced and harmonized development of heritage and tourism sectors, keeping in mind the importance of these areas for boosting the economy and employment generation. This sector has a huge potential to grow at a fast rate in the next few years. Haryana's great culture and heritage is well preserved in its rural towns and villages. This plan particularly visualizes an integrated development of Heritage and Tourism in the region besides the development of rural areas. The effort would be to promote the following areas of tourism: Heritage, Adventure, Eco and Medical & Farm/Rural in order to promote employment opportunities while protecting environment and heritage. The main identified Tourist and Heritage sites in Haryana Sub-Region are  Mewat - 27 holes golf course  - Battleground of many famous wars  - Land of mythological and Historical importance  - Urban and adventure abode  - Annual crafts fair  - The Ancient Temple of Pandava’s Bhimeshwari goddess and Jhajjar museum

Objectives listed from Regional Plan-2021 for NCR and Haryana tourism policy for the heritage and tourism in Sub-Region are:  Promote tourism as a major source of economic growth and capitalize the potential of sustainable tourism for employment generation.  Promote private and public sector association for the development of tourism with government. The objective is to broaden and diversify the concept of tourism in highway tourism, ecotourism, adventure tourism, pilgrim Tourism, farm tourism, golf tourism, medical tourism and heritage tourism etc., therefore meeting new market requirements.  Scale up infrastructure to global standards.  Support professional excellence and provide infrastructure for human resource development.  Develop sustained and effective marketing strategy and plans.

13.2 Heritage Haryana Sub-Region is gifted with natural heritage sites, seeped in mythology and history. There are 2 types of heritage areas a) Built heritage b) Natural heritage

13.2.1 Built Heritage Built Heritage pertains to those buildings, artifacts, structures, areas and precincts that are of historic, aesthetic, architectural or cultural significance. In addition they should also include natural features within such areas or precincts of the environment significance or scenic beauty such as scared groves, hills, hillocks, water bodies (and area adjoining the same), open areas, wooded areas, etc. Table 13-1 : Number of Protected Monuments in the Sub-Region by ASI

Protection/ State Haryana Sub-Region Centrally Protected 63 State Protected 01 Source: Draft Revised Regional Plan 2021, NCR

Different organizations works on the listing of the Built Heritage in the Sub-Region a) Archaeological Survey of (ASI)

Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana 265 Sub-Regional Plan for Haryana Sub-Region of NCR-2021 Chapter 13 Heritage and Tourism

b) State Archaeological Department c) INTACH has listed various numbers of monuments. As per Regional Plan-2021 for NCR the number of monuments listed are 334 in Haryana Sub-Region.

13.2.2 Natural Heritage: The Sub-Region has the most number of natural sites in the State of Haryana as well as in the NCR. These Natural Heritage sites illustrate the bio-diversity of the Sub-Region. They can be divided as under:

(a) Special Protection Areas: a) - Gurgaon Haryana b) Bhindawas Birds Sanctuary - Jhajjar, Haryana

(b) Hilly areas: Aravalis at Gurgaon, Faridabad and Mewat

(c) River Systems, Wetlands and Water Bodies:   Yamuna wetland systems  , Gurgaon, Haryana  Lake / hot water spring, Gurgaon  Badkhal and surrounding lakes, Faridabad  Kotla Lake, Mewat  All existing water bodies: manmade and natural

(d) Habitations: These include urban and rural settlements, biodiversity in the vast variety of crops, livestock, green-areas and open spaces, in the developed areas where biotic resources manifest themselves.

13.3 Tourism 13.3.1 Types of Sub-Region

(e) Eco Tourism: Ecotourism entails the sustainable preservation of a naturally gifted area or region. This is becoming more and more significant for the ecological development of all regions that have tourist value. Various eco tourism destination spots are located in the Sub-Region such as Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary and Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary.

(f) Farm Tourism: Haryana has primarily an agrarian economy; therefore, Haryana Tourism has taken the initiative to introduce the concept of farm . The farms offer you an experience of a lifestyle that's true of a real India - rich in age old traditions, ethnic arts and crafts. The farms are located near . Almost 14 farms are located in Haryana Sub-Region.

(g) Golf Tourism: Haryana has many lush green plain lands and meadows making it ideal for Golf. This tourism is about providing excellent golfing facilities, latest amenities to attract golfers from all over the world and Sub- Region becoming a prime destination for golf tourism in India. Currently a number of international level golf courses are located in Gurgaon, Faridabad and Mewat.

(h) Adventure Tourism: Adventure tourism is popular amongst the youngsters. It has recently gained prominence in India. This involves exploration of remote areas and exotic locations and engaging in various activities. Adventure tourists in Haryana prefer trekking, climbing, boating etc to places near hills, lakes, wildlife, etc.

Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana 266 Sub-Regional Plan for Haryana Sub-Region of NCR-2021 Chapter 13 Heritage and Tourism

(i) Heritage Tourism: Heritage tourism is a branch of tourism oriented towards both, the built heritage and natural heritage of the location. In the Sub-Region though heritage tourism is in all districts, it is prominent in Panipat, Gurgaon and Faridabad.

(j) Cultural Tourism: Haryana is known for its rich cultural and religious elements, like the various fairs and festivals. In the Sub- Region tourists can visit the annual Surajkund mela, Faridabad.

13.4 Existing Scenario of Tourist Flow in Haryana Sub-Region 13.4.1 State and its Surroundings Though the Sub-Region has excellent infrastructure, but it is lacking in the field of tourism. In the Domestic tourism sector, Haryana scored third rank after and . About 1348.3 lakh domestic tourists visited various tourist places in Uttar Pradesh, 255.6 lakh in Rajasthan, 64.1 lakh in Haryana and 20.4 lakh Delhi in 2009. In the international tourism sector, Haryana had the least number of foreign tourists in the year 2007, 2008 & 2009 as compared to Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Table 13-2: Number of Tourist Visits and Percentage share in Haryana and its Surrounding States State/Year Domestic Tourists(in lakh) Foreign Tourists(in lakh) 2006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009 All India 4,623.1 5,265.6 5629.2 6,500.4 117.5 132.7 141.1 137.2 Haryana 60.2 62.5 59.7 64.1 0.7 0.6 0.9 1.4 Delhi 22.4 23.9 21.3 20.4 19.7 20.2 23.4 19.6 Uttar Pradesh 105.5 1,162.4 1,248.4 1,348.3 13.3 15.2 16.1 15.3 Rajasthan 234.8 259.2 283.6 255.6 12.2 14.1 14.8 10.7 Source: India Tourism Statistics 2007, 2008 & 2009, Ministry of Tourism, .

Annual growth rate of tourists in and around Haryana has increased slightly for domestic tourists from 3.82% in year 2006-07 to 7.37% in 2008-09. While it is still lowest in comparison to surrounding states and has witnessed negative growth for foreign tourists. (As shown in above table) 13.4.2 Sub-Region and its Surrounding Analysis of present status reveals that maximum foreign and domestic tourists choose to visit , not only at Sub-Regional level but also at the state level. Also as evident in Table 13-3, the Sub- Region includes maximum tourist potential sites out of the State. In the Sub-Region the least foreign and domestic tourist conspicuous sites exist in Rohtak & Jhajjar districts respectively in 2011. Table 13-3: Number of Tourist Spots and Tourist Visited the Haryana Sub-Region

Tourist Visitors (2007) Tourist Visitors (2011) Percentage Change

District

Total Total Total

Indian Indian Indian

Foreigner Foreigner Foreigner

Panipat 2 Spots Tourist 5078 444,591 449,669 161 235,650 235,811 -96.83 -47.00 -47.56 1 596 123,299 123,895 1,674 327,596 329,270 180.87 165.69 165.77 Rohtak 2 14 162,661 162,675 7 114,129 114,136 -50.00 -29.84 -29.84 Jhajjar 1 2 97,153 97,155 444 55,935 56,379 22,100.00 -42.43 -41.97 Faridabad* 8 21,586 1,551,916 1,573,502 130,207 1,848,474 1,978,681 503.20 19.11 25.75 Gurgaon** 4 5,791 295,942 301,733 978 337,816 338,794 -83.11 14.15 12.28 2 3,885 110,481 114,366 4155 127,927 132,082 6.95 15.79 15.49 *Faridabad includes ** Gurgaon includes Mewat Source: Statistical Abstract Haryana 2006-07 & 2011-12

Haryana has many heritage and tourist destination sites that are yet to be developed. Many of those destinations lie inside Haryana Sub-Region.

Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana 267 Sub-Regional Plan for Haryana Sub-Region of NCR-2021 Chapter 13 Heritage and Tourism

13.4.3 Key features of Haryana Sub-Region:  Sub-Region has heritage sites at Panipat and Surajkund,  Vicinity of Delhi, U.P. and Rajasthan which have major tourist attractions in India  Gurgaon, Mewat and Faridabad have strong connectivity to International airport  Haryana has adventure tourism sites at Gurgaon and Jhajjar besides excellent resort facilities.  Introduction of highway tourism, medical tourism and farm tourism may boost tourism economy

13.4.4 Present Tourism status:  Places with Heritage Importance (e.g. Jhajjar, Rohtak) are yet to be developed.  Need for preparation of Tourist development plans and their implementation.  Towns like Gurgaon are suitable for Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE ) tourism.  Tourist facilities exist in the form of Haryana Tourism Corporation (HTC) resorts and are presently being renovated / upgraded with post modern finishes and plush interiors.

13.5 Major Identified Tourist sites in Haryana Sub-Region are: In the sub-region there are a total of 92 heritage and tourist sites and 20 tourist resorts which are distributed across all districts. The listing of different types of tourism facilities in the Sub-Region is given below in the Table 13-4.

Table 13-4: Existing Scenario of Tourism in the Haryana Sub-Region

District

Eco

Golf Golf

Farm Farm

tourism tourism

Cultural

Medical Medical

Tourism Tourism Tourism Tourism Tourism Tourism

Heritage Heritage Business Adventure Faridabad      Palwal  Panipat  Gurgaon      *  Mewat   Rohtak   Sonipat  Rewari  Jhajjar   Source: National Tourism Policy 2008 A detailed listing of all the districts is as under: 13.5.1 Faridabad The city was founded in 1607 by Sheikh Farid, treasurer of Jahangir, with the object of protecting the highway which passed through the town. Faridabad city is the most populated and most industrialized in the Sub-Region.

Table 13-5 : Famous Places and Tourism in Faridabad: Type of Tourism Name Tourist Resort Golf Tourism Aravali Golf Course Aravali Golf Course, Faridabad Cultural Tourism Surajkund Crafts Mela & Tourist Complex Heritage Tourism Raja Palace tourist resort Eco Tourism Badkhal Lake Prakriti Farm Hermitage Huts tourist resort Progressive Farm Farm Holidays Sheilma Farm Hotel Rajhans, Surajkund YMCA Rural Centre Minar No. 18, Alanpur Sunbird Motel ASI Heritage Bund or Dam, Anangpur Kos Minar No. 27, Phulwana Magpie

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Type of Tourism Name Tourist Resort Kos Minar No. 23, Khatiala Kos Minar No. 10, Khawaja Sarai (Ghosipur Sarai) Raja Mughal bridge over Buriya Nala, Khawaja Sarai (Atamapur) Suraj Kund Masonry, Lakarpur Lakeview huts tourist resort Kos Minar No. 11, Mawai (Faridabad sector 29) Kos Minar No. 13, Mazzessar Kos Minar No. 15, Sikri Source: ASI- Inventory of Monuments and Sites of National Importance, Circle, Vol 1, Part 2& http://haryanatourism.gov.in/

13.5.2 Palwal: Newly formed district carved out from Faridabad. It was part of the initial Aryan civilization known as `Apelava’, part of the Pandava kingdom of Indraprastha, and later restored by King Vikramaditya.

Table 13-6 : Famous places and Tourism in Palwal: Type of Tourism Name Tourist Resort Heritage Tourism Panchwati Temple Dabchick tourist resort, Kos Minar No. 19, Palwal Kos Minar No. 26, Hodal Kos Minar No.22, Kos Minar No. 24, Banchari ASI Heritage Kos Minar No. 25, Banchari Kos Minar No. 16, Gadhpuri Kos Minar No. 17, Gadhpuri Kos Minar No. 21, Khera Sarai (Bamanai khera) Kos Minar No. 20, Khusropur (Kusalipur) Source: ASI- Inventory of Monuments and Sites of National Importance, Chandigarh Circle, Vol 1, Part 2& http://haryanatourism.gov.in/

13.5.3 Panipat Panipat is the battleground that has witnessed wars throughout Indian history. It was a place where the fate of great empires was often decided. It is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna and is also known for its handloom products.

Table 13-7 : Famous places and Tourism in Panipat: Type of Tourism Name Tourist Resort Ibrahim Lodi’s tomb: Heritage Tourism Kabuli shah mosque Kos Minar, Jatipur Skylark hotel, Panipat Obelisk, commemorating third battle of Panipat, Kala Amb Kos Minar, Kiwana

Kos Minar, Manana

Bab-e-Faiz gate, Panipat ASI Heritage Kabuli Bagh Mosque with enclosure wall, Panipat Ebrahim Lodi's Tomb, Panipat Two Kos Minar, Panipat Taraf Unsar Kos Minar, Taraf Afgan Kos Minar, Siwali (Sewah) Source: ASI- Inventory of Monuments and Sites of National Importance, Chandigarh Circle, Vol 1, Part 2& http://haryanatourism.gov.in/

13.5.4 Gurgaon Gurgaon is said to be the ancestral village of Guru Dronacharya, from the . It has been under the control of the rulers of Delhi and their appointees.

Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana 269 Sub-Regional Plan for Haryana Sub-Region of NCR-2021 Chapter 13 Heritage and Tourism

Table 13-8 : Famous places and Tourism in Gurgaon: Type of Tourism Name Tourist Resort Eco Tourism Sultanpur Lake Bird Sanctuary Adventure Tourism Sohna sulphur springs and Tourist Complex The Surjivan Farm Botanix Nature Resort Sultanpur Birds Sanctuary Golden Creeper Golden Dunes Retreat Saras tourist resort, Damdama Farm Holidays Herambh Aushadh Kalki Mystic Shama tourist resort, Gurgaon The Great Escape Anugrah Vatika Barbet tourist resort, Sohna

Healthec Farm & SPA Rosy Pelican tourist resort, Gurgaon Adventure Tourism Damdama tourist Complex

Baoli Ghas Ali Shah, Farukhnagar ASI Heritage Mosque of Ala Vardi Khan, Sarai Ala Vardi Khan Adventure Tourism Shama Tourist Complex Shiv Temple Sheesh Mahal Sheetala Devi Temple Heritage Tourism Dhankot Saiyad Ata Medical Tourism Medanta MediCity, Fortis Hospital Golf Tourism DLF Golf Course, Unitech Golf Course Source: ASI- Inventory of Monuments and Sites of National Importance, Chandigarh Circle, Vol 1, Part 2& http://haryanatourism.gov.in/, Directorate of Town and Country Planning Haryana.

13.5.5 Mewat Hasan Khan Mewati, the chief of Mewat, fought the battle of Khanwa against Babur in 1527. During the Mughal dynasty, Mewat came under the . It was a part of the princely state of Alwar until independence. Table 13-9 : Famous places and Tourism in Mewat: Type of Tourism Name Tourist Resort Classic Golf Resort Golf Tourism Country Club Classic Golf Resort Malab Heritage Sanghel Source: ASI- Inventory of Monuments and Sites of National Importance, Chandigarh Circle, Vol 1, Part 2& http://haryanatourism.gov.in/

13.5.6 Rohtak Known as Khokhrakot, the of , it is now a huge mound near Rohtak. The excavations at this site have yielded terracotta seals and sealing, coins moulds, silver and copper coins, copper and iron implements, stone sculptures etc. along with baked brick houses and pottery belonging to the B.C. era to the 11th Century A.D. Table 13-10 : Famous places and Tourism in Rohtak: Type of Tourism Name Tourist Resort Heritage Tourism Ruins of the ancient town are found at Khokrakot or Rohtasgarh. Myna tourist resort, Rohtak Farm Holidays Banni Khera Farm Tilyar tourist resort, Rohtak Kos Minar, Baiyanpur Sir Chhotu Ram Shahidi Smarak ASI Heritage Ancient site, Khokra kot tourist resort, Ethnic India tourist resort, Rai -ki-Baoli, Meham Source: ASI- Inventory of Monuments and Sites of National Importance, Chandigarh Circle, Vol 1, Part 2& http://haryanatourism.gov.in/

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13.5.7 Sonipat It is believed that Sonipat was founded as ‘Suvarnaprastha’ by the five Pandava brothers during the times of Mahabharata. Another legend ascribes it to Raja Soni, the thirteenth descendent of , one of the Pandava brothers Table 13-11 : Famous places and Tourism in Sonipat: Type of Tourism Name Tourist Resort Mughal Kos Minar, Akbarpur Barota Ethnic India Mughal Kos Minar, Gannaur

Mughal Kos Minar, Jagdishpur

Mughal Kos Minar, Jawahari ASI Heritage Mughal Kos Minar, Panchi Gujran Mughal Kos Minar, Rajpur Tomb of Khwaja Khizer, Sonipat Mughal Kos Minar, Sonipat Shri Gita Bhawan Mandir Sant Bhawan Heritage Tourism Shri radha Swami Satsan Sabha Shri Ram Mandir

Sri Gurunanak Gurudwara

Ibadat Khana Heritage Tourism Methodist Mission Church Source: ASI- Inventory of Monuments and Sites of National Importance, Chandigarh Circle, Vol 1, Part 2& http://haryanatourism.gov.in/

13.5.8 Rewari Rewari, the land of the Ahirs, is a city of historical importance, mentioned in the Mahabharata. The last Hindu king of India, a great warrior, Hemu Vikramaditya, belonged to Rewari. He won 22 battles spanning the entire north of India during the period 1554-1556. He was the only Hindu king to rule from Delhi during the medieval period. His in Rewari still stands in the Qutabpur area. Table 13-12 : Famous places and Tourism in Rewari: Type of Tourism Name Tourist Resort Lal Masjid Jungle Babbler tourist resort, Dharuhera Heritage Tourism Baag wala Talab Rao Tej singh Taalab (Bada Talab) Sandpiper tourist resort, Rewari Source: ASI- Inventory of Monuments and Sites of National Importance, Chandigarh Circle, Vol 1, Part 2& http://haryanatourism.gov.in/

13.5.9 Jhajjar was carved out of on July 15, 1997. Table 13-13 : Famous places and Tourism in Jhajjar: Type of Tourism Name Tourist Resort Adventure Bhindawas wild life Sanctuary & Khaprawas wild life Sanctuary, Gauriyya tourist resort, Tourism Jhajjar ASI Heritage Group of Monuments, Jhajjar Source: Department of forest, Notification of Forest dept. No. 4210-ft.-4-20129368; dated: 25-07-12

13.5.10 Analysis of the Existing facilities in the Sub-Region of Haryana Sightseers mainly travel for tourism, leisure, culture and heritage. Analysis of various factors present in each district of the Sub-Region reveals the following: Table 13-14 : District wise Tourism Potentials Districts of Sub-Region Tourism Leisure Culture Heritage Hotels & Resorts Faridabad      Palwal      Panipat      Gurgaon      Mewat     

Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana 271 Sub-Regional Plan for Haryana Sub-Region of NCR-2021 Chapter 13 Heritage and Tourism

Districts of Sub-Region Tourism Leisure Culture Heritage Hotels & Resorts Rohtak      Sonipat      Rewari      Jhajjar      Source: ASI- Inventory of Monuments and Sites of National Importance, Chandigarh Circle, Vol 1, Part 2 & http://haryanatourism.gov.in/

Note: Tourism includes any type of tourism Leisure includes Golf tourism and Farm Tourism Culture includes any cultural festival or cultural places Heritage includes Heritage sites allocated by ASI and INTACH Hotels and Resorts include tourist resorts of Haryana Tourism

Faridabad ranks highest among all the districts of Haryana, not because of number of tourist spots but due to the presence of additional tourist attracting amenities. The Map 13.1 shows major tourism sites of Haryana sub-region.

13.6 Major Tourist Facilities: Haryana Tourism has more or less achieved this objective. In addition, both HUDA – through the construction of club-houses and recreational parks - and the HSIIDC – through the development of community centres in their industrial estates - have been actively involved. As can be seen from the chart, Haryana Sub-Region has sufficient accommodation throughout the districts, primarily due to the efforts of Haryana Tourism complexes.

Table 13-15 : Hotel Accommodation in Haryana Sub-Region PWD/Irrig. Univ. & Hotels/ Motels District City/Town 5* 4* 3* 2* 1* HTC Dharamashalas /CPWD Other &Tourist Rest House Orgs. Complexes Faridabad 2 4 9 Faridabad Surajkund 1 4

Palwal Hodal 1

Damdama 1

Gurgaon 1 4 1 5 11 Gurgaon Sohna 1

Sultanpur 1

Jhajjar 20 7 3 6

Panipat 3 1 1 5 Panipat 1

Dharuhera 1 Rewari Rewari 1 1 4 4

Rohtak Bahadurgarh 1

Rohtak 2 6 5 3 12

Sampla 1

Sonipat RAI 1 4 1

Total 2 0 10 0 0 22 26 35 6 39

Source: Final Report on 20 years Perspective Plan for Sustainable Tourism development in Haryana, Dept. of Tourism.

13.7 Existing Tourism Projects appraisal of Haryana Government 13.7.1 Development of a Tourist Circuit As per the Tourism Policy, tourist circuit inside the State is Panipat--. This circuit has been identified by the Ministry of Tourism as ‘Mega circuit of national importance’ (Tourism Ministry Annual Report 2007-08). There is a plan to conduct integrated development of this tourist circuit. Plans should be made for developing world class infrastructure in private-public partnership. The policy of the Government is to encourage constructive and mutually beneficial partnerships between the private and public sector. Services of specialist consultancy agencies will be taken for implementation and evaluation of public private participation in tourism projects. Sub-Region of Haryana also plans to have, Sufi circuit, Eco tourism Circuit and Heritage circuit.

Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana 272 Sub-Regional Plan for Haryana Sub-Region of NCR-2021 Chapter 13 Heritage and Tourism

13.7.2 Gurgaon city as Convention, Exhibition Hub and Golf City The Tourism Policy also proposes to develop Gurgaon as a convention and exhibition hub with requisite world class infrastructure, recreation, Information Technology and support facilities. A comprehensive convention centre would be setup in public private partnership in Gurgaon. It is proposed to setup adventure sites in public and private partnership at Sohna and Damdama for theme parks and camping sites for recreation and holidaying. The existing golf courses, spas and polo areas near Gurgaon will be additional attractions. 13.7.3 Eco Tourism To promote Sultanpur as an Eco tourism site with the Forest Department. 13.7.4 Farm/ Agri Tourism Haryana Tourism has taken the initiative to introduce the concept of Farm Tourism in India. The Department of Tourism, has partnered with 21 farm owners in Haryana, of which 14 are located inside the Haryana Sub-Region (as given in table below) Table 13-16: The Department of Tourism, in partnership with 21 farm owners in Haryana Location Name of Farms Prakriti Farm Progressive Farm Faridabad Sheilma Farm YMCA Rural Centre The Surjivan Farm Botanix Nature Resort Golden Creeper Golden Dunes Retreat Gurgaon Herambh Aushadh Kalki Mystic The Great Escape Anugrah Vatika Healthec Farm & Spa Rohtak Banni Khera Farm Source: http://haryanatourism.gov.in/ Different tourist circuits of farm/agri tourism, local folk art and culture etc. will be engraved and promoted in order to provide large scale employment opportunities.

13.7.5 Adventure Tourism Haryana Tourism Corporation is carrying out various activities of adventure tourism at different places in the Sub-Region such as camping trekking, rock climbing, Para-sailing etc. Adventure Tourism has become very popular amongst young people. Some initiatives have also been taken by private sector. The Government will identify existing hubs and create new hubs of adventure tourism activities and implement the projects under public-private partnership. Such activities would provide large-scale employment opportunities in the Sub-Region of Haryana. It is also proposed to set up adventure camping sites in Surajkund, Badkhal and Damdama.

13.7.6 Heritage Tourism Surajkund is to be promoted as a heritage destination. The Deputy Commissioners of each district would identify the historical sites and the Tourism Development Council will take a decision regarding the heritage sites to be chosen for private-public partnership for conservation and preservation so that these sites are a point of attraction for the tourists. The Government will formulate appropriate schemes for identifying and renovating the historical sites in association with the private sector/business houses under their corporate social responsibility scheme. The private sector would maintain these sites for a specific period as per the conservation plan prepared by the Archaeology Department, Haryana. The publicity mileage will be given to private sector in the form of installation of plaque etc.

Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana 273 Sub-Regional Plan for Haryana Sub-Region of NCR-2021 Chapter 13 Heritage and Tourism

Map 13-1: Major tourism sites in Sub-Region

Source: Analysis

Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana 274 Sub-Regional Plan for Haryana Sub-Region of NCR-2021 Chapter 13 Heritage and Tourism

13.7.7 Medical Tourism The Government will coordinate with leading hospitals especially Medi-City for promotion of Medical Tourism. Appropriate land will be identified by HUDA for creation of specialty hospitals. The Haryana Tourism Corporation would introduce Panchkarma and spa facilities in hotels either by itself or in public- private partnership on long lease basis i.e. 5 to 10 years.

13.8 Role of Relevant bodies in Tourism The main bodies that cater to leisure and business travel are: 1. Haryana Tourism 2. Haryana Urban Development Authority 3. Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation

13.8.1 Haryana Tourism. Haryana Tourism plays both developmental and operational roles. Its prime areas of responsibility are: 1. Promotion of Haryana and its attractions as destinations 2. Creation of tourism related infrastructure 3. Development of accommodation and restaurants 4. Development of wayside amenities on national and state highways 5. Activities pertaining to the preservation of art, culture, history and heritage of the State 6. Establishment of recreation and leisure facilities 7. Tourism related human resource development 8. Promotion of package tours 9. Information and signage

13.8.2 HSIIDC HSIIDC was set up in 1967 for promoting medium and large-scale industries to ensure balanced regional development of Haryana, by acting as an institutional entrepreneur and a financial institution. The role and scope of HSIIDC has been widened and adapted to suit the growing needs of industry. The services now being provided include:  Infrastructure Development through Industrial Parks  Identification and Promotion of Large and Medium Scale Industries in the Public/Joint/Assisted Sectors  Financial Functions such as :Term Lending , Equipment Refinance Scheme (ERS), Equipment Leasing Schemes, Merchant Banking*, Issue Management including underwriting of Public/Rights Issues*, Appraisal for the Purpose of Public/Rights Issues, Seed Capital Schemes, Bridge Loans against State Subsidy/Working Capital, Term Loans Assistance Outside Refinance Scheme of IDBI, Bill Discounting, Forex Advisory Services, Investment Banking Scheme

13.8.3 HUDA The main functions of Haryana Urban Development Authority are as under: -  To promote and secure development of urban areas with the power to acquire, sell and dispose of the property, both movable and immovable;  To acquire, develop and dispose land for residential, industrial and commercial purpose ;  To make available developed land to Haryana Housing Board and other bodies for providing houses to economically weaker sections of the society; and  To undertake building works.

HUDA has developed and is developing several recreational parks that are ideal for relaxing and for picnics. It is also developing ‘Leisure Valley’ in the Surajkund area. This is a Recreation and Leisure development that will have hotels, residential accommodation, amusement park, shopping centre, offices and a tourist complex. It has plans to develop a similar complex at the City Centre in Gurgaon on NH44 and plans for convention centres in Gurgaon and with auditorium seating for 1200 people and two break out rooms for 60 and 120 people respectively and a restaurant.

Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana 275 Sub-Regional Plan for Haryana Sub-Region of NCR-2021 Chapter 13 Heritage and Tourism

13.9 Review of State Tourism Policy, Haryana This policy aims at increasing the earnings from tourism inflow at the rate of 10% annually and seeks to promote sustainable tourism by encouraging a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership between public and private sector for economic development and employment generation. Focused attention would be given to upgrade and enhance existing infrastructure, marketing Haryana as the preferred destination. Thus this increases its share in the international and domestic travel market.

The objectives of the tourism policy are to position tourism as a state priority and identify it as a growth engine for employment generation.

The major focus rendered in the policy can be summarized as follows;  Institutional mechanism: Tourism Development Council: A Tourism Development Council is proposed, under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, for comprehensive planned development of the State as a key tourist destination. It will also formulate the policy and strategy for the development of tourism, strengthening of tourism infrastructure, attracting domestic as well as foreign investment within the sub-region.

 Land Resource: For facilitating tourism projects in the State, the Tourism Department will identify suitable locations/lands. HUDA will identify and allot at least one site for a budget hotel in each of the important towns.

 Development of tourist circuit: The tourism policy proposes to strengthen infrastructure and planned development of Panipat-Kurukshetra-Pinjore as a tourist circuit. This would involve an integrated development of the circuit involving the departments of PWD, Public Health, Power sector and local government.

 Positioning of the Tourism: By promoting diversified tourism development in various sectors like eco- tourism, medical tourism, heritage tourism, cultural tourism, agro tourism etc

 Lease Policy regarding major tourism projects : The State Government could give its land or building on lease hold basis to private sector for Theme Parks, Multiplexes, Malls, Hotels, Hotel Management Institutes, High end Spas, Adventure Parks and any such tourism related major projects.

 Human Resources Development: It is proposed to set up Hotel Management institutes in public private partnerships. Initially, Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) has been set up at Rohtak and is in operation since July 2012. On similar lines, work is in progress on the IHM at Faridabad which is being setup in the PPP mode.

The three primary focus on which the policy was framed;  Promote Highway Tourism  Take advantage of its proximity to Delhi  Tourist Facilities to be planned at District and Sub-divisional levels

Haryana Tourism has more or less achieved this objective. In addition, both HUDA – through the construction of club houses and recreational parks - and the HSIIDC – through the development of community centres in their industrial estates - have been actively involved in this area.

13.10 ISSUES, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLANGES In order to attract the tourists towards the aforementioned places of the Sub-Region, it would be imperative to tackle the issues mentioned below:

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a. Located in the shadow of Delhi, and : The tourists spots located in the sub-region of Haryana get over shadowed by the heritage monuments of much larger scale existing in the close vicinity of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Thus compared to the said destinations the foot fall to the tourists spot located in sub-region of Haryana is much less. b. Lack of Tourism Infrastructure: There is a lack of visitor information and proper infrastructure development with focus on development of tourism infrastructure aimed at attracting tourists. There is a urgent need to improve the infrastructure, services and provide focused attention for promoting tourist spot in the sub-region of Haryana. c. Lack of Brand/Destination Identity: The existing tourist facilities including the cultural and natural resources in the sub-region lack any brand/destination identity, there needs to be an efforts for development of theme based destinations, circuits, trails etc. to enhanced tourists experience in order to develop a brand/destination identity at the existing tourists facility. d. Inadequate site protection and development: Many of the heritage monuments have suffered dilapidation on account of neglect and lack of protection. The sub-region potential for tourism development has accordingly remained constrained by lack of institutional focus and deployment of resources of the sector agencies to protect, plan, develop and manage the existing sites. e. Community Neglect: There is a lack of appreciation and awareness among the local population about the great potential of tourism development. The pressure of population growth has added to the pressure on the limited tourism resources that the sub-region has. There is however, immense potential to promote inclusive tourism and community tourism initiatives in and around the cultural, heritage and natural sites through infrastructure development and special efforts of mobilising committee to engage them in tourism economy. f. Lack of Regional Cooperation: There is a need for convergence of individual State tourism strategies, policies of the States of Haryana, Delhi, U.P. and Rajasthan to adopt a single frame-work aimed at taping the potential synergies of tourism available in the region. The Nodal Agencies of all the States need to work together for developing an inter dependent strategy for integrated tourism development which adds to tourism development in the Haryana sub-region.

13.11 Policies and Proposals for Protection of Heritage & Tourism sites

13.11.1 Policies and Proposals for Protection of Built Heritage sites i. The listing of monuments and conservation areas of all the towns/districts in Sub-Region and their identification on the Development Plans. ii. Each monument and its surroundings are different, so site specific guidelines and recommendations have to be made based on the detail assessment. iii. In addition to protected/listed monuments, there could be hidden or not-yet-excavated sites in the region. The Department of Archaeology should indicate where they expect to find underground ruins, and these areas should be duly identified in the master plan. Buildings proposed to be constructed in these areas should require a no-objection certificate from the relevant Department of Archaeology, before the building plans are sanctioned. iv. The area around the protected monuments should be declared as a special area and prepare area level plans for an area covering 300 meters around it. These plans should clearly indicate the

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nature of development, permissible and non-permissible activities within this area as per the prescriptions provided in the central and state archeological protection legislations. v. If any evidence of historic buildings is revealed during the excavation for foundation, then the Departments of Archaeology should be duly intimated, allowed a specified period of time to record the evidence and remove any artifact that is found before resuming construction. In order to implement these provisions necessary amendments need to be made in the zoning regulations. vi. It will also be necessary to maintain close interaction and coordination between all these agencies keeping in view the following objectives and requirements.  Maintain and update a database.  Develop organizational capacity for heritage management.  Define all the applicable terms.  Listing of Heritage Buildings based on the following criteria: (a) The age of the building; (b) Its special value for architectural or cultural reasons or historical periods; (c) Its relevance to history; (d) Its association with a well-known character or event; (e) Its value as part of a group of buildings; (f) The uniqueness of the building or any object or structures fixed to the building or forming part of the land and comprised within the curtilage of the building.  Prepare guidelines for development, redevelopment, additions alterations, repairs, renovations, and reuse of the heritage buildings.  Implementing programmes for education and awareness.

vii. Conservation management strategies and plans should identify historical and cultural heritage on public conservation lands and waters, and required conservation outcomes for that heritage.

13.11.2 Policies and Proposals for Protection of Natural Heritage sites: i. All identified areas of natural heritage should be regulated with reference to land use and pollution control to ensure the protection of biodiversity and urban ecosystems. ii. Each conservation management strategy and plan should include identification of:

 indigenous species and their habitats and ecosystems;  conserve land and waters, their habitats.

iii. Each conservation management strategy or plan should establish management objectives for indigenous species and their habitats and ecosystems iv. Sustainable development by ensuring that biological and geological diversity are conserved and enhanced as an integral part of social, economic and environmental development and contribute to rural renewal and urban regeneration by ensuring developments that take account of the role and value of biodiversity in supporting economic diversification and contributing to a high quality environment. v. Afforestation should be taken up in hilly areas, with right type of species and control of growth of monoculture. vi. Cropping pattern, horticulture species, and their effect on the soil along with micro-climate should be understood in order to avoid loss of soil fertility. Right type of agricultural practices like social forestry, energy plantation, and agro-forestry would go a long way to improve the natural environment.

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13.11.3 The Role of Development Plans The development plan should consider the natural and cultural components of the landscape and promote opportunities for the enhancement or restoration of degraded landscapes, particularly those affecting communities. Planning authorities should ensure that potential effects on landscape and natural heritage, including the cumulative effect of development are considered when preparing development plans and policies. With careful planning and design the potential for conflict can be minimized and enhancement of features brought about.

13.11.4 Development of Tourism Sites Tourism Development Plan should be prepared highlighting the smaller tourist circuits with one to four days trip within the Sub-Region to promote tourism incorporating following policies and strategies: i) The heritage and tourist sites should be used as instruments to direct land use policy towards more decentralized patterns of development. They should be clearly identified on the land use plan to prevent encroachment and inappropriate development and should be integrated with the potentials for cultural and leisure tourism. ii) Tourism circuits covering tourism, leisure, cultural and heritage sites should be created with one to three days trip and should be given priority in development of transportation and other infrastructure. Fiscal incentives should be provided for the purpose. Private sector should be encouraged to help in development of tourism and also invest in maintenance & upkeep of tourist destinations in the Sub-Region. iii) Tourism should be recognised as an important source of employment. iv) Proper database for heritage and tourism sites should be developed and updated from time to time. v) Regular publicity of the heritage and tourist sites in the Sub-Region should be done through media.

Further, for development of Tourism sector, the integration of the same with the following sectors needs to be explored:  Agriculture: Modern agriculture and rich cultural heritage in Haryana needs to be leveraged for promoting tourism and meeting the need for the tourists to go back to nature and back to the roots. It will be the endeavor of the Government to promote this concept further and to link it with agri-tourism and cultural tourism with a view to involve community participation. This concept can integrate as well as promote rural sector through tourism and generate employment in the Sub- Region.

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 Culture: Efforts will made to integrate tourism with culture especially in the resorts run by Haryana Tourism Corporation. Special efforts will be made to run Crafts Bazaar, Food Bazaar and Cultural shows in the tourist complexes especially Surajkund and Rai etc.

 Leisure: Introduction of leisure activities of urban culture such as golf, spa, yoga, medi-tourism, etc. will definitely attract tourists from various places to the Sub-Region.  Business: Developing conference halls, convention centres, exhibition hubs with global standards of recreation, information technology and support facilities, will help integrate business and tourism.

Apart from above, the strengthening and updation of the existing infrastructure should be done, which may include upgradation of the existing resorts and planned integrated development including setting up theme parks and multiplexes. o Facilitation for tourism promotion in sub-region o Ensure safety and security of tourists and provide efficient facilitation services. o Introduce measures to ensure social, cultural and environmental activities. o Ensure involvement of local community for employment generation. o Concentrate on development driven infrastructure by coordinating with all the departments. o Develop and promote souvenir handicrafts. o Identify heritage buildings and develop them in public/private partnerships. o Develop Tourist Reception Centres for the convenience of tourists and compilation of data by the Department of Tourism. o Introduce radio taxies. Studies have shown that lower order settlements in the NCR (service centres, central villages and basic villages) have localized traditional skills like potteries, handloom weaving, leather work, murtikari, carpet weaving etc., which if nurtured, can play the role of a vibrant component of the tourism sector and rural economy. Agro based tourism also stabilizes the rural economy and generates employment in the area.

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