Lok Sabha Question No. 122 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-25
Subject: Development of Tourism in Odisha under SDS 2.0
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Ananta Nayak

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.122

## ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024

## DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN ODISHA UNDER SDS 2.0

## 122   SHRI ANANTA NAYAK:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of sites selected by the Government for inclusion under Swadesh  Darshan  2.0  Scheme  (SDS)  in  the  State  of  Odisha, particularly in the Keonjhar district for developing them as tourist destination in the country;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  sanctioned/released  or  proposes  to sanction/release  any  fund  for  the  development  of  these  sites, particularly located in the Keonjhar district;
- (c) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the  time  by  which  funds  are likely to be sanctioned/released;
- (d) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  operationalize  the  Raisuan Airstrip  also  known  as  Kendujhar  or  Keonjhar  Airstrip  located  at Gopinathpur  in  the  Kendujhar  district  to  promote  tourism  in  the Kendujhar;
- (e) if so, the details thereof and steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (f) the details of other measures taken/being taken by the Government to  promote  tourism  in  the  State  of  Odisha  and  particularly  in Kendujhar?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM         (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (c): The Ministry of Tourism has recently revamped the scheme of Swadesh Darshan as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country. Under this scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has identified 'Koraput' and 'Debrigarh along with special attraction of Khinda Village' in Odisha. The projects  under  the  scheme  are  sanctioned  on  receipt  of  the  suitable project proposal from the State Government and subject to adherence to scheme  guidelines,  availability  of  funds  etc.  No  project  is  sanctioned under SD2.0 in the State of Odisha, however, the Ministry of Tourism in 201617 sanctioned a project 'Development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada and Tampara' under coastal circuit theme for Rs.70.82 Crore under Swadesh Darshan scheme. (d) & (e): As per the information received from Ministry of Civil Aviation, Raisuan Airstrip in Keonjhar District of Odisha is listed in the tentative  list  of  unserved  airstrips  in  the  UDAN  Documents.  Regional Connectivity  Scheme  (RCS)-UDAN  is  a  market  driven  Scheme  wherein bidding  rounds  are  conducted  from  time  to  time  for  covering  more destinations  and  routes  under  the  scheme.  Revival/  Up-gradation  of unserved airports is  undertaken  upon  its  identification  through  a  valid bid  and  award  to  the  Selected  Airlines  Operator  (SAO).  As  of  now,  no proposal has been submitted by any airlines to operate flights  to/from Raisuan Airstrip. The Government is also taking various steps to promote tourism/connectivity  in  the  State  of  Odisha.  Resultantly,  Jharsuguda, Rourkela,  Utkela  and  Jeypore  airports  in  the  State  of  Odisha  have already been operationalised under the UDAN Scheme. (f): The Ministry of Tourism as part of its ongoing endeavour promotes various  tourism  destinations  and  products  of  the  country  including Odisha  through  promotional  activities,  events,  website,  social  media promotions etc.

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