Latest news with #GajendraShekhawat
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shaniwarwada light and sound show falls to operators' whims and fancies
1 2 3 Pune: Union minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Shekhawat, who visited Shaniwarwada on Thursday, announced the use of modern technology, such as the audio-visual guide system, to enhance the visitors' experiences. However, the light and sound show at this historical monument, which started around two decades ago, is operating in fits and starts. Visitors said they are often denied entry to the show due to technical glitches. The operators of the show impose conditions like "no refund of ticket fees in case of rain" as weather protection or roof covers are not available in the spectators' section. Civic officials said the show started in 2000 and is held daily from 7pm to 9pm. It features a water screen created using pressure pumps and jet nozzles, on which a 45-minute short film about the history of Shaniwarwada is projected. Visitor Manisha Kolhapure said that the operators put conditions while giving tickets. "The operators claimed that if a particular number of tickets are not sold, they will not conduct the show. We came to visit the place and see the show. If they are scheduled, they should be held without any prerequisites like the number of attendees," she added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Shivajinagar Madhuri Datar said that they planned a group trip to the monument but had to postpone it. "We learned that the shows get cancelled due to rain and other issues. There are no arrangements to protect citizens from showers. So we preferred to plan the tour at a more suitable time," she said. Civic officials said the shows stopped months ago due to technical glitches. Some lights used for the show were damaged, so the visitors were not allowed to attend it. The system was damaged in 2009 and 2022. "The problem pertained to equipment used for lights which has now been repaired. The show has been getting a good response. The issues raised by the visitors will be addressed," Manisha Shekatkar, head of PMC's electrical department, said. The administration is preparing a plan to upgrade the system. Shaniwarwada, a 13-storey fort palace of the Peshwas, was built by Bajirao Peshwa I in 1736. The residential fort complex saw many chapters of the Peshwas' history, where the stories were not only about the brave and influential administrators but also about gruesome deaths and their fall. It is among the most popular tourist attractions in Pune, from the ruins to the fort's five doorways – Delhi Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza, Narayan Darwaza, and Mastani Darwaza. Pune: Union minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Shekhawat, who visited Shaniwarwada on Thursday, announced the use of modern technology, such as the audio-visual guide system, to enhance the visitors' experiences. However, the light and sound show at this historical monument, which started around two decades ago, is operating in fits and starts. Visitors said they are often denied entry to the show due to technical glitches. The operators of the show impose conditions like "no refund of ticket fees in case of rain" as weather protection or roof covers are not available in the spectators' section. Civic officials said the show started in 2000 and is held daily from 7pm to 9pm. It features a water screen created using pressure pumps and jet nozzles, on which a 45-minute short film about the history of Shaniwarwada is projected. Visitor Manisha Kolhapure said that the operators put conditions while giving tickets. "The operators claimed that if a particular number of tickets are not sold, they will not conduct the show. We came to visit the place and see the show. If they are scheduled, they should be held without any prerequisites like the number of attendees," she added. Shivajinagar Madhuri Datar said that they planned a group trip to the monument but had to postpone it. "We learned that the shows get cancelled due to rain and other issues. There are no arrangements to protect citizens from showers. So we preferred to plan the tour at a more suitable time," she said. Civic officials said the shows stopped months ago due to technical glitches. Some lights used for the show were damaged, so the visitors were not allowed to attend it. The system was damaged in 2009 and 2022. "The problem pertained to equipment used for lights which has now been repaired. The show has been getting a good response. The issues raised by the visitors will be addressed," Manisha Shekatkar, head of PMC's electrical department, said. The administration is preparing a plan to upgrade the system. Shaniwarwada, a 13-storey fort palace of the Peshwas, was built by Bajirao Peshwa I in 1736. The residential fort complex saw many chapters of the Peshwas' history, where the stories were not only about the brave and influential administrators but also about gruesome deaths and their fall. It is among the most popular tourist attractions in Pune, from the ruins to the fort's five doorways – Delhi Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza, Narayan Darwaza, and Mastani Darwaza. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
PM chairs meeting on tourism hit by Pahalgam attack
In a first meeting addressing the concerns of the tourism sector in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, PM Narendra Modi Tuesday took stock of the situation and discussed ways to bring back tourists to the Valley. According to sources, the meeting also focussed on coming up with new ways to promote tourism across the country, including for domestic as well as international visitors. The meeting was attended by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat, Tourism Secretary V Vidyavathi, Additional Secretary Suman Billa, and senior PMO officials including Principal Secretaries to the PM, P K Mishra and Shakikanta Das. 'Attended the review meeting chaired by honourable PM @narendramodi to assess the progress in the tourism sector,' Shekhawat said on X after the hour-long meeting in the afternoon. 'His visionary leadership is the guiding force for all our efforts in making Bharat a top global tourist destination,' he added. The Pahalgam attack has hit the tourism potential in the Valley immensely, with stakeholders in the industry raising concerns that not only is this holiday season a washout, but the adverse sentiment may affect the industry in the years to come. However, as per sources, the Centre is mulling steps to boost confidence in the security situation in other parts of the country, and focus on tourism revival in the months to come. In the wake of the terror attack, several countries — including the US and the UK — had issued advisories to their citizens to refrain from visiting the state, further denting the sentiment among international visitors. The meeting comes just ahead of the Amarnath Yatra scheduled to start from July 3 this year. The tourism sector had seen a massive turnaround after the security situation in the Valley improved following the abrogation of Article 370. As per the Ministry of Tourism figures, tourist arrivals had climbed from 34 lakh in 2020 to a record 2.36 crore in 2024, including 65,000 foreign tourists. The 2025 season opened strong too, with 8.14 lakh visitors to Srinagar's Tulip Garden in 26 days. Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More
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.
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Business Standard
23-04-2025
- Business Standard
Have asked for hassle-free refunds to tourists: Tourism Min Shekhawat
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Centre has urged airlines, hotels, and tour operators to offer hassle-free refunds to anxious tourists reconsidering travel to Kashmir New Delhi The central government is offering its unstinted support to tourists in Jammu and Kashmir who wish to return home following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat said on Wednesday. In a post on X, Shekhawat wrote, "In light of yesterday's tragic incident in Kashmir, many tourists are understandably anxious and reconsidering their travel plans. I've spoken to the concerned authorities and urged airlines, hotels, and tour operators to allow full refunds without hassle." In light of yesterday's tragic incident in Kashmir, many tourists are understandably anxious and reconsidering their travel plans. I've spoken to the concerned authorities and urged airlines, hotels, and tour operators to allow full refunds without hassle. — Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) April 23, 2025 Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also acknowledged the concerns of tourists. In a post on X, he said, "Although it is heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterday's tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, at the same time we totally understand why people would want to leave." It's heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterday's tragic terror attack in Pahalgam but at the same time we totally understand why people would want to leave. While DGCA & the Ministry of Civil Aviation are working to organise extra flights,… — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 23, 2025 Security beefed up in Kashmir Authorities in Srinagar have established a control room at the airport to assist passengers and ensure smooth departures. This initiative is part of broader security efforts following the recent terror attack that has left at least 26 people dead. The Union Territory administration is collaborating with airlines to facilitate the return of the victims' mortal remains and provide support to grieving families travelling across India. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon near the Baisaran meadow close to Pahalgam town, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, most of them tourists. This also stands as the deadliest assault in the Kashmir Valley since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. In the wake of the attack, travel agencies in Delhi reported that nearly 90 per cent of bookings for Jammu and Kashmir have been cancelled by tourists over security concerns. Popular destinations, including Gulmarg, Hajan Valley, and the Tulip Gardens, had seen a significant number of visitors before the incident. Refunds, rescheduling for tourists In response to the crisis, several airlines and travel platforms have introduced measures to assist affected passengers. Air India, IndiGo, and EaseMyTrip are offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds for bookings made before April 22, applicable for travel until April 30. To further support travellers, Air India and IndiGo have arranged special flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai. These airlines have also waived cancellation and rescheduling fees for affected routes, offering flexibility during this challenging time. EaseMyTrip has similarly extended waivers and is working closely with airlines and local authorities to ensure seamless communication and updates. The company's founder, Nishant Pitti, assured customers of their commitment to reducing inconvenience. In light of the ongoing situation in Srinagar, we @EaseMyTrip are fully committed to supporting our customers who are traveling to or from Srinagar. We understand the uncertainty this situation may cause and are here to minimize any inconvenience to your travel plans. To ensure… — Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) April 23, 2025 In a post on X, he wrote 'Your safety and convenience remain our top priorities. We have extended free change and cancellation waivers for all bookings made on or before April 22, applicable for travel up to April 30. We are closely coordinating with airlines and local authorities and will share regular updates.'
NDTV
23-04-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Full Refund From Hotels, Airlines: Union Minister Assures J&K Tourists
New Delhi: The Centre is fully backing tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, who are keen on returning home after the shocking attack on tourist in Pahalgam, Union minister for tourism Gajendra Shekhawat said today. In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the minister said, "In light of yesterday's tragic incident in Kashmir, many tourists are understandably anxious and reconsidering their travel plans. I've spoken to the concerned authorities and urged airlines, hotels, and tour operators to allow full refunds without hassle". In light of yesterday's tragic incident in Kashmir, many tourists are understandably anxious and reconsidering their travel plans. I've spoken to the concerned authorities and urged airlines, hotels, and tour operators to allow full refunds without hassle. — Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) April 23, 2025 The Jammu and Kashmir government is also making efforts in this direction Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said. Although it is heartbreaking to see the "exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterday's tragic terror attack in Pahalgam but at the same time we totally understand why people would want to leave," he said in a post on X. In Srinagar, a control room has been set up at the airport to monitor the smooth transition of passengers and facilitation. The UT government is coordinating with airlines for the return of the bodies and escorting the families across the country. Terrorists had opened fire at the famed meadow of Baisaran near Kashmir's Pahalgam town on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in what is the deadliest attack in the Kashmir Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike.
