Lok Sabha Question No. 3241 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-09
Subject: Eco-tourism Projects in Maharashtra
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Ranjeetsingh Naik Nimbalkar, P.P. Chaudhary, Sangamlal Kadedin Gupta, Aparajita Sarangi, Arjunlal Meena

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3241 ANSWERED ON 09.08.2021

## ECO-TOURISM PROJECTS IN MAHARASHTRA

## 3241. SHRI RANJEETSINGH HINDURAO NAIK NIMBALKAR:

SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY:

SHRI SANGAM LAL GUPTA:

SHRIMATI APARAJITA SARANGI:

SHRI ARJUN LAL MEENA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  introduced  any  measures  to promote  sustainable  and  environment  friendly  eco-tourism projects in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha;
- (b) if so, the details thereof including any projects specific to Pali and Bhubaneswar; and
- (c) the  activities  covered  by  the  said  policy  and  the  expected
- environmental benefits of the same?

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (c): Development and Promotion of Tourism, including sustainable  and  environment  friendly  eco-tourism,  is  primarily  the responsibility of the State Government/ Union Territory Administration. The Ministry of Tourism has identified Eco Tourism as one of the Niche Tourism Products for promotion and development  in  the  country,  including  Rajasthan,  Uttar  Pradesh, Maharashtra  and  Odisha,  with  an  objective  to  promote  India  as  a year  round  destination  for  ensuring  repeat  visit  for  the  unique products  in  which  India  has  a  comparative  advantage  vis-à-vis competing destinations.  Considering  the  importance  of  developing tourism in an ecologically sustainable manner, Ministry of Tourism has evolved Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for major segments of the tourism industry, which is applicable for the entire country. The Criteria has been evolved after consultations with the various stakeholders. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism, under its  Swadesh Darshan  scheme  is  developing  thematic  circuits  in  the  country  in planned and prioritized manner in order to develop tourism infrastructure  at  multiple  destinations.  Eco-tourism  is  one  of  the identified theme under Swadesh Darshan scheme. No project under Eco theme has been sanctioned in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha including Pali and Bhubaneswar. However, the  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  sanctioned  a project 'Development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada and Tampara' for  a  total  amount  of  Rs.70.82  crore  under  Coastal  theme  of Swadesh Darshan scheme in the State of Odisha. The  Ministry of Tourism has  sanctioned  6  projects  under Eco-Theme  of    Swadesh  Darshan    scheme  as  per  the    annexed details.

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ANNEXURE

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3241 ANSWERED ON 09.08.2021 REGARDING ECO-TOURISM PROJECTS IN MAHARASHTRA

THE DETAIL OF PROJECTS SANCTIONED UNDER ECO TOURISM CIRCUITS OF SWADESH DARSHAN SCHEME

|   S. No. | Name of State   | Name of Circuit & Year   | Project Name                                                                                                                                                                        |   Amt. Sanctioned (Rs. In Crore) |
|----------|-----------------|--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
|        1 | Uttarakhand     | Eco Circuit (2015-16)    | Development of Circuit at Tehri-Chamba- Sarain around Tehri Lake.                                                                                                                   |                            69.17 |
|        2 | Telangana       | Eco Circuit (2015-16)    | Development of Circuit in Mahaboobnagar districts (Somasila, Singotam, Kadalaivanam, Akkamahadevi, Egalanpanta, Farahabad, Uma Maheshwaram, Mallelatheertham)                       |                            91.62 |
|        3 | Kerala          | Eco Circuit (2015-16)    | Development of Pathanamthitta- Gavi- Vagamon- Thekkady.                                                                                                                             |                            76.55 |
|        4 | Mizoram         | Eco Circuit (2016-17)    | Development of Eco- Adventure Circuit at Aizawl - Rawpuichhip - Khawhphawp - Lengpui - Durtlang - Chatlang- Sakawrhmuituaitlang - Muthee - Beratlawng - Tuirial Airfield - Hmuifang |                            66.37 |
|        5 | Madhya Pradesh  | Eco Circuit (2017-18)    | Development of Gandhisagar Dam- Mandleshwar Dam- Omkareshwar Dam- Indira Sagar Dam- Tawa Dam- Bargi Dam- BhedaGhat- Bansagar Dam- Ken River                                         |                            94.61 |
|        6 | Jharkhand       | Eco Circuit (2018-19)    | Development of Dalma- Chandil- Getalsud- Betla National park- Mirchaiya- Netarhat                                                                                                   |                            52.72 |

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