VARANASI: The development of Varanasi-Ramnagar-Sarnath circuit, which is one of the 29 identified projects for development of destinations and circuits of Union ministry of tourism, is lagging behind even at the end of the financial year. A budget of Rs 2202.31 lakh was sanctioned in 2006-2007 for the development of the region in a holistic and integrated manner while Rs 3178.66 lakh was sanctioned in the phase II of the project till 2012.

UP tourism deputy director Avinash Mishra said there is no deadline as various projects are being carried out by different working agencies. The work on major projects such as construction of internal roads in Sarnath, construction of road and poles at Ramnagar has already been completed. A newly prepared help desk and hall for international tourists has also come up under the mega project at Bharat Kala Bhawan, Banaras Hindu University. The renovation and repair of Harishchandra ghat, Rana Mahal ghat, Scindia ghat, Lalita ghat, Panch Ganga ghat, Dashaswamedh ghat and Rajghat have also been done. But a number of projects are either pending or put on hold. "The slow pace of construction and unavailability of sand and stones for about six months delayed the construction of the Buddha Theme Park in Sarnath. Almost 70 per cent of work has already been completed. We were aiming to complete the work by March 31 but the deadline will be extended till May," Mishra said.

Works on Lotus Park and Light and Sound show at Sarnath have been put on hold for quite some time. The working agency for light and sound show, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has left the work un-started and no other working agency has been decided till date. Another project of light and sound has already been completed at Agra Fort. Work on Lotus Park has been put on hold due to massive silting and encroachment by the land sharks.

Out of five entry gates in Varanasi from Babatpur, Ramnagar, Mughalsarai, Sarnath and Allahabad road, three have been constructed. Some work is still to be done at the entry gate near Allahabad road and Babatpur.

Works included in Varanasi-Ramnagar-Sarnath circuit

Renovation of Harishchandra ghat, Rana Mahal ghat, Scindia ghat, Lalita ghat, Panch Ganga ghat, Dashaswamedh ghat and Rajghat.

Construction of a platform for performing funeral at Harishchandra ghat.

Construction of five entry gates in Varanasi from Babatpur, Allahabad road, Mughal Sarai, Ramnagar and Sarnath.

Construction of a Buddha Theme Park.

Development of Saranath Lake in the form a Lotus Park.

Constructing internal roads of Sarnath.

Introducing light and sound show at Buddha Theme Park.

Construction of poles and pathways from Ramnagar crossing to Fort.

Construction of a tourist help desk and hall at Bharat Kala Bhawan, Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Pending works under the project

Only 70 per cent of construction of Buddha Theme Park, which began in Sarnath with a budget of Rs 686.29 lakh in 2009, had been completed so far. The deadline of the project was December 2010.

The development of Lotus Valley park at Sarnath Lake has been put on hold due to massive silting and encroachment by land sharks. Rs 171.28 lakh has been sanctioned for it. Work started in February 2010 and deadline for completion was set as December 2010.

The construction of five gates near various entries in Varanasi is still pending at Allahabad road and Mughalsarai.

Light and sound show at Buddha Theme Park is another project. The work was earlier given to India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), however, it did not start the work. Name of no other agency has been decided to complete the project. A fund of Rs 352 lakh was sanctioned for it.