Lok Sabha Question No. 393 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-06-24
Subject: Identification of Tourist Sites for Inclusion in Tourist Circuits
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Sunil Kumar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†393 ANSWERED ON 24.06.2019

## IDENTIFICATION OF TOURIST SITES FOR INCLUSION IN TOURIST CIRCUITS

†393. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the names of the fifty tourist sites identified by the Government as 'tourist circuit' for development and promotion of tourism in the country;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  details  of  the  tourist  sites  of  Jharkhand  identified  for inclusion under the tourist circuit;
- (d) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  include  Betla  National Park, Netarhet, Chandil etc. and Itkhori and Kaleshwari places associated  with  Hindu,  Jain  and  Buddhist  religion  located  in Chatra district of Jharkhand under any circuits;
- (e) if so, the time by which it is likely to be included; and
- (f) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) to (f): Identification and development of tourism sites is primarily the responsibility of State Governments/Union Territories. However,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  under  its  scheme  of  Swadesh Darshan-  Integrated  Development  of  Theme-Based  Tourist  Circuits provides  Central Financial  Assistance  to  State  Governments/Union Territories/Central Agencies for developing tourism infrastructure in the  circuits,  across  the  country,  having  tourist  potential  in  a planned and prioritized manner. Under the scheme fifteen thematic circuits  have  been  identified  for  development,  namely:  North-East

India  Circuit,  Buddhist  Circuit,  Himalayan  Circuit,  Coastal  Circuit, Krishna  Circuit,  Desert  Circuit,  Tribal  Circuit,  Eco  Circuit,  Wildlife Circuit,  Rural  Circuit,  Spiritual  Circuit,  Ramayana  Circuit,  Heritage Circuit, Tirthankar Circuit & Sufi Circuit. The projects under the scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations and are  sanctioned  subject  to  availability  of  funds,  submission  of suitable  detailed  project  reports,  adherence  to  scheme  guidelines and  utilization  of  funds  released  earlier.  Based  on  above  criteria, Ministry  has  sanctioned  funds  to  the  tune  of  Rs.52.72  lakh  the project  'Development  of  Eco  Circuit:  Dalma-  Chandil-  GetalsudBetla National Park- Mirchaiya- Netarhat in Jharkhand'. For  Promotion  of  Tourism,  the  Ministry  undertakes  several promotional activities in the domestic and international markets for promotion  of  the  varied  tourism  products  and  destinations  of  the country. As part of its marketing/promotional activities, the Ministry produces  publicity  material  and  collaterals  in  English  and  foreign languages,  annually  releases  print,  electronic  and  online  media campaigns in important and potential markets overseas and within the  country  under  the  'Incredible  India'  brand-line.  Promotions  are also undertaken through the website and Social Media accounts of the Ministry.

*******