Lok Sabha Question No. 2380 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-13
Subject: Setting up of Eco-Tourism Centres in West Bengal
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Sukanta Majumdar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2380

## ANSWERED ON 13.12.2021

## SETTING UP OF ECO-TOURISM CENTRES IN WEST BENGAL

## 2380. DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  promote  ecotourism in the country;
- (b) if so, the Eco-Circuits identified in the country including West Bengal, district-wise;
- (c) whether the Government has received any proposal for setting up  of  eco-tourism  centres  from  the  Government  of  West Bengal;
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether there is a vast scope to promote eco-tourism in West Bengal; and
- (f) if so, the details of other measures/steps taken to develop and boost  eco-tourism  in  various  States  of  the  country  including West Bengal?

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

## MINISTER OF TOURISM

- (a)  &  (b):  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 Eco Circuits in the country.

The  details  of  the  projects  sanctioned  under  the  Eco  Circuit theme  of  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme  in  the  country  are  given  at

Annexure.

- (c)  &  (d):  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.  No project proposal  has  been  sanctioned  in  the  State  of  West  Bengal  for setting up of Eco-Tourism Centres in the State. (e) & (f): Eco-tourism is a growing segment of the travel and tourism industry  in  India  including  West  Bengal.    Ministry  of  Tourism  has formulated a Draft National Strategy and Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism with focus on eco-tourism and adventure tourism.

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## ANNEXURE

STATEMENT IN REPLY OF PARTS (a) & (b) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2380 ANSWERED ON 13.12.2021 REGARDING SETTING UP OF ECO-TOURISM CENTRES IN WEST BENGAL.

## PROJECTS  SANCTIONED  UNDER  ECO-TOURISM  CIRCUIT  OF  SWADESH DARSHAN SCHEME

(Rupees in crore)

| Sl. No.   | Name of State   | Year of sanction   | Project Name                                                                                                                                                                         |   Amount Sanctioned |   Amount Released |
|-----------|-----------------|--------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|-------------------|
| 1.        | Uttarakhand     | 2015-16            | Development of Circuit at Tehri-Chamba - Sarain around Tehri Lake.                                                                                                                   |               69.17 |             65.71 |
| 2.        | Telangana       | 2015-16            | Development of Circuit in Mahaboobnagar districts (Somasila, Singotam, Kadalaivanam, Akkamaha devi, Egalanpanta, Faraha bad, Uma Maheshwaram, Mallelatheertham)                      |               91.62 |             87.04 |
| 3.        | Kerala          | 2015-16            | Development of Pathanamthitta- Gavi- Vagamon- Thekkady.                                                                                                                              |               76.55 |             61.24 |
| 4.        | Mizoram         | 2016-17            | Development of Eco- Adventure Circuit at Aizawl - Rawpuichhip - Khawhphawp - Lengpui - Durtlang - Chatlang - Sakawrhmuituaitlang - Muthee - Beratlawng - Tuirial Airfield - Hmuifang |               66.37 |             49.53 |
| 5.        | Madhya Pradesh  | 2017-18            | Development of Gandhi sagar Dam - Mandleshwar Dam - Omkareshwar Dam - Indira Sagar Dam- Tawa Dam - Bargi Dam - Bheda Ghat- Bansagar Dam - Ken River                                  |               94.61 |             79.7  |
| 6.        | Jharkhand       | 2018-19            | Development of Dalma - Chandil - Getalsud - BetlaNational park - Mirchaiya - Netarhat                                                                                                |               52.72 |             15.07 |
|           |                 |                    | Total                                                                                                                                                                                |              451.04 |            358.29 |

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