The Indian government has unveiled a RS5bn (US$81.5m, €71.4m, £54.1m)

heritage project for 12 of the country’s cities, aimed at preserving heritage and boosting tourism.

The 12 selected cities – Ajmer, Amritsar, Amravati, Badami, Dwarka, Gaya, Warangal, Puri, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Varanasi and Vellankanni – will promote the integrated, inclusive and sustainable development of heritage sites. They will focus not just on maintenance of monuments, but also on advancement of the entire ecosystem including citizens, tourists and local businesses.

"No nation can move forward ignoring its cultural heritage and legacy,” said urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu at the launch of the initiative, known as Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY).

"India is a diverse land of languages and religions and we need to preserve the legacy of all kinds. HRIDAY is a step towards reviving the soul of cities hosting such rich heritage," he said, adding that the heritage cities would become “the face of tourism” for India.

Tourism and culture minister, Mahesh Sharma, also added that with 32 UNESCO recognised natural and cultural sites in India, the tourism potential of the country is “still to be fully harnessed” and said the new scheme would help in that sense.