Lok Sabha Question No. 1092 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Promotion of Eco-Tourism in Tamilnadu
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Andimuthu Raja

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1092 ANSWERED ON 26.07.2021

## PROMOTION OF ECO-TOURISM IN TAMILNADU

1092. SHRI A. RAJA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken any steps to enhance ecotourism in the country, especially in the State of Tamil Nadu;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the  funds  allocated  and  spent  for  promoting  eco-tourism during the last three years;
- (d) the details of the targets with respect to eco-tourism and the expected revenue generation in the next 10 years; and
- (e) the  details  of  financial  assistance  extended  to  the  State  of Tamil Nadu for eco-tourism, especially for Nilgiris, during the last three years?

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (e): Eco-tourism  has  been  identified  as  one  of  the  Niche Tourism  areas  by  Ministry  of  Tourism  for  development  in  the country, including Tamil Nadu.

Promotion and Development of tourism, including Eco Tourism, is the primary responsibility of the State Governments/UT Administrations.    However,  Ministry  of  Tourism  provides  financial assistance  under  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme  for  development  of tourism related infrastructure and facilities in the country. Recognizing the potential for the development of Eco tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has identified 'Eco Circuit' as one of the 15 thematic circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/Union  Territory  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. Submission of project proposals by the State Government and its sanctioning is a continuous process. The  details  of  the  projects  sanctioned  under  the  Eco  Circuit theme  of  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme  in  the  Country  are  given  at Annexure. No  project  proposal  has  been  received  by  the  Ministry  of Tourism  from  State  Government  of  Tamil  Nadu  for  development under Eco Tourism. Apart  from  the  above,  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  been  laying stress  on  maintenance  of  environmental  integrity,  considering  the importance  of  developing  tourism  in  an  ecologically  sustainable manner.  The Ministry of Tourism has evolved Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for major segments of the tourism industry, namely accommodation, tour operators, beaches, backwaters, lakes and river sectors, etc.,  applicable  for  the  entire  country,  including Tamil Nadu. The Criteria has been evolved after consultations with the various stakeholders. Ministry of Tourism has made it mandatory for the approved tourism service providers such as tour operators, adventure tour operators, travel agents etc., to follow the Code of Conduct for safe and sustainable Tourism.

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ANNEXURE

STATEMENT  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF  LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1092 ANSWERED ON 26.07.2021 REGARDING PROMOTION OF ECO-TOURISM IN TAMILNADU

List of Projects sanctioned for development under Eco Circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism

(in Rs. Crores)

| State/Year of Sanction   | Details                                                                                                                                                                |   Amount Sanctioned |
|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|
| Uttarakhand (2015-16)    | Development of Circuit at Tehri- Chamba- Sarain around Tehri Lake.                                                                                                     |               69.17 |
| Telangana (2015-16)      | Development of Circuit in Mahaboobnagar district (Somasila, Singotam, Kadalaivanam, Akkamahadevi, Egalanpanta, Farahabad, Uma Maheshwaram, Mallelatheertham)           |               91.62 |
| Kerala (2015-16)         | Development of Pathanamthitta- Gavi- Vagamon-Thekkady                                                                                                                  |               76.55 |
| Mizoram (2016-17)        | Development of Eco-Adventure Circuit at Aizawl-Rawpuichhip- Khawhphawp- Lengpui- Durtlang Chatlang- Sakawrhmuituaitlang- Muthee- Beratlawng-Tuirial Airfield- Hmuifang |               66.37 |
| Madhya Pradesh (2017-18) | Development of Gandhisagar Dam- Mandleshwar Dam- Omkareshwar Dam- Indira Sagar Dam- Tawa Dam-Bargi Dam- BhedaGhat- Bansagar Dam- Ken River.                            |               94.61 |
| Jharkhand (2018-19)      | Development of Dalma- Chandil- Getalsud- Betla National park- Mirchaiya- Netarhat                                                                                      |               52.72 |

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