Nashik: State tourism minister Jaykumar Rawal has said that the government is planning to take up cleanliness and beautification of forts through National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Rawal was speaking at the ground breaking ceremony for various developmental and beautification works at Trimbakeshwar under the central government scheme, Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD).MP Hemant Godse, MLA Yogesh Gholap, tourism secretary Vineeta Singal and others were present. Rawal said, “The government has decided to take up beatification of 450 forts and achieve this by also providing jobs to local people through NREGA.”Rawal also promised to set up a grape resort near Gangapur to draw tourists from across the country. “Besides the forts, the grape resort and development of Nashik under the Ramayan Circuit will play a major role in attracting tourists,” Rawal said.Rawal said Trimbakeshwar was the first town in Maharashtra to attract funds for the development of a pilgrimage town under PRASAD. In all, Rs 31.55 crore will be spent for works in Trimbakeshwar, Rs 2.24 crore in Anjineri, Rs 2.20 crore for Brahmagiri tourism.Work will be carried out on the Gangasagar and Gautami ponds; the next phase will involve the construction of a ropeway for Brahmagiri and Anjineri. To heighten the spiritual ambience of pilgrimage sites, the Centre started the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD), under which Rs 38 crore was sanctioned for Trimbakeshwar.Trimbakeshwar is one of the 12 Jyoteerlingas of Lord Shiva in the country and holds special importance among pilgrims. It attracts tourists from across the country, with large numbers from South India.

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