Lok Sabha Question No. 82 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-21
Subject: Implementation of SDS 2.0
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Sasikanth Senthil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.82 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025

## IMPLEMENTATION OF SDS 2.0

## 82. SHRI SASIKANTH SENTHIL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the tourism projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) 2.0 across the country, with a specific focus on Tamil Nadu, including the amount of funds allocated, released, and utilised during the period 2023-25;
- (b) whether any tourism destinations or businesses have been certified under Travel for Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) initiative across the country, including Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether any environmental impact or carbon footprint assessments have been undertaken for the projects under the SDS 2.0, particularly in Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the  manner  in  which  the  infrastructure  developed  under  the  Smart Cities Mission has been leveraged or integrated into tourism development projects under the said Scheme along with the details thereof particularly from cities in Tamil Nadu; and
- (e) whether the Government has evaluated the impact of these projects on  local  communities,  heritage  conservation,  livelihood  generation, with reference to Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a)  to  (e):  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  through  its  central  sector  scheme  of 'Swadesh Darshan (SD)' complements the efforts of tourism infrastructure development in the country by extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations. The Ministry of Tourism has  now revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) with  the  objective  to  develop  sustainable  destinations.  Details  of  the projects  sanctioned  under  SD2.0  scheme  in  the  country  including  Tamil Nadu covering details of funds sanctioned, authorized/ utilized is Annexed.

The  projects  under  SD  2.0  scheme  are  identified  based  on  the  project proposals submitted by the concerned State Governments, its examination on  the  prescribed  parameters  and  as  per  the  institutional  framework detailed in the scheme guidelines. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is also formulated by the concerned State Government. The Ministry of Tourism emphasizes the State Governments/UT Administrations to prioritize community/stakeholder consultation, carrying capacity, sustainable practices, barrier free access, clean energy sources, use of locally available material for construction and procure eco-friendly transport options for lastmile connectivity etc. while formulating the DPRs under SD2.0. In addition, emphasis is placed on the inclusion of sustainable operation and maintenance plans and direct job creation etc.

As  informed  by  the  State  Government  of  Tamil  Nadu,  the  Smart  Cities Mission  in  Tamil  Nadu  -  integrates  tourism  in  several  ways,  focusing  on heritage conservation, improved tourist amenities, and leveraging technology to enhance the visitor experience. Several smart city projects in Tamil  Nadu,  like  those  in  Thanjavur  and  Madurai,  explicitly  incorporate tourism-related initiatives.

Smart city projects in Thanjavur and Madurai involve the conservation and restoration of historical monuments  and  buildings, as well as the development of tourist plazas and improved access to heritage sites.

Thanjavur: Smart city projects include the renovation of Sivagangai Park, conservation  of  Sivagangai  Kulam,  all  aimed  at  enhancing  the  city's heritage and tourist experience.

Madurai:  The  Madurai  Smart  City  project  includes  a  dedicated  tourist amenities project and a heritage development  project, focusing on enhancing the visitor experience at iconic landmarks.

Travel for Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE): Sensitisation on sustainability aspects in accommodation units is an ongoing process and certification is done as part of Travel for lifestyle for environment initiative.

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## ANNEXURE

STATEMENT  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF  LOK  SABHA  UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.82 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025 REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF SDS 2.0 RAISED BY SHRI SASIKANTH SENTHIL

List of sanctioned projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0:-

|   S No . | State                    | Year of Sancti on   | Destination       | Name of the Experience                                                |   Sanctioned Cost (in ₹ Crore) | Amount Authorised (in ₹ Crore)   |
|----------|--------------------------|---------------------|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------|
|        1 | Andhra Pradesh           | 2024-25             | Bapatala          | Development of Suryalanka Beach Experience                            |                          97.52 | 9.75                             |
|        2 | Andhra Pradesh           | 2023-24             | Araku- Lambasingi | Borra Cave Experience at Araku                                        |                          29.87 | 2.99                             |
|        3 | Arunachal Pradesh        | 2023- 24            | Nacho             | Unlock Nacho Expedition                                               |                          14.02 | 1.40                             |
|        4 | Arunachal Pradesh        | 2023- 24            | Mechuka           | Mechuka Cultural Haat                                                 |                          18.48 | 1.85                             |
|        5 | Arunachal Pradesh        | 2023- 24            | Mechuka           | Mechuka Adventure Park                                                |                          12.75 | 1.28                             |
|        6 | Assam                    | 2023- 24            | Kokrajhar         | Kokrajhar Wetland Experience                                          |                          26.67 | 2.66                             |
|        7 | Assam                    | 2023- 24            | Jorhat            | Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate                                      |                          23.88 | 2.38                             |
|        8 | Bihar                    | 2024- 25            | Bodh Gaya         | Development of the Buddhist Meditation & Experience Centre, Bodh Gaya |                         165.44 | 16.54                            |
|        9 | Chhattisgarh             | 2024- 25            | Kawardha          | Bhoramdeo Corridor Development, Kabirdham District                    |                         145.99 | 14.59                            |
|       10 | Dadra Nagar & Haveli and | 2024- 25            | Daman             | Daman Convention Centre                                               |                         147.13 | CRZ clearance required           |

|    | Daman & Diu       |          |                                        |                                                                         |       |      |
|----|-------------------|----------|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------|------|
| 11 | Goa               | 2023- 24 | Porvorim                               | Porvorim Creek Experience                                               | 24.07 | 2.4  |
| 12 | Goa               | 2023- 24 | Colva                                  | Colva Beach Experience                                                  | 19.98 | 1.99 |
| 13 | Haryana           | 2024- 25 | Panchkula                              | Development of Adventure Tourism Hub at Tikkar Taal and Adventure Park  | 26.68 | 2.68 |
| 14 | Haryana           | 2024- 25 | Panchkula                              | Rejuvenation of Yadavindra Garden                                       | 65.82 | 6.58 |
| 15 | Himachal Pradesh* | 2024- 25 | Maa Chintpurni Temple (District - Una) | Development of Maa Chintpurni Devi Temple, Una                          | 56.26 | 5.62 |
| 16 | Karnataka         | 2023- 24 | Hampi                                  | Setting up of 'Traveller nooks'                                         | 25.63 | 2.56 |
| 17 | Karnataka         | 2023- 24 | Mysuru                                 | Tonga ride Heritage experience zone                                     |  2.71 | 0.27 |
| 18 | Karnataka         | 2023- 24 | Mysuru                                 | Ecological Experience Zone                                              | 18.48 | 1.84 |
| 19 | Kerala            | 2023- 24 | Kumarakom                              | Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience                                     | 13.92 | 1.39 |
| 20 | Kerala            | 2024- 25 | Alappuzha                              | Alappuzha: A Global Water Wonderland                                    | 93.17 | 9.31 |
| 21 | Kerala            | 2024- 25 | Malampuzha                             | Enhancement of Tourist Experience at Malampuzha Garden and Leisure Park | 75.87 | 7.58 |
| 22 | Ladakh            | 2023- 24 | Leh                                    | Julley Leh Biodiversity Park                                            | 23.16 | 2.31 |

|   23 | Ladakh          | 2023- 24   | Kargil                 | Exploring LOC and Hundarman village Experience                          |   11.91 |   1.19 |
|------|-----------------|------------|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|--------|
|   24 | Lakshadwe ep    | 2024- 25   | Bangaram               | Enhancement of Tourist Experience at Bangaram                           |   81.18 |   8.11 |
|   25 | Madhya Pradesh  | 2023- 24   | Gwalior                | Phoolbagh Experience Zone                                               |   16.73 |   1.67 |
|   26 | Madhya Pradesh  | 2023- 24   | Chitrakoot             | Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot                                      |   27.21 |   2.72 |
|   27 | Madhya Pradesh* | 2024- 25   | Pitambara Peeth, Datia | Development of Pitambara Peeth Datia                                    |   44.24 |   0    |
|   28 | Maharashtr a    | 2023- 24   | Pune                   | Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3                              |   76.22 |   7.62 |
|   29 | Meghalaya       | 2023- 24   | Sohra                  | Waterfall Trails Experience                                             |   27.84 |   0    |
|   30 | Meghalaya       | 2023- 24   | Sohra                  | Meghalayan Age Cave Experience                                          |   32.45 |   3.24 |
|   31 | Mizoram         | 2024- 25   | Champhai               | Eco Resort Experience at Keilungliah, Zote, Ngur & Mualbuhvum, Champhai |   38.85 |   3.88 |
|   32 | Mizoram         | 2024- 25   | Champhai               | Heritage and Cultural Centre, Champhai                                  |   33.87 |   3.38 |
|   33 | Nagaland        | 2023- 24   | Chumoukedi ma          | Eco-Tourism Exp at Chumoukedima viewpoint                               |    7.87 |   0.78 |
|   34 | Nagaland        | 2023- 24   | Chumuoukedi ma         | Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat                            |   21.56 |   2.15 |
|   35 | Nagaland        | 2024- 25   | Chumuoukedi ma         | Adventure Tourism                                                       |   32.54 |   3.25 |

|    |            |          |                                        | Experience at Jacob Village, Chumoukediem a             |       |      |
|----|------------|----------|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-------|------|
| 36 | Puducherry | 2023- 24 | Karaikal                               | Karaikal beach and waterfront experience                | 20.29 | 0    |
| 37 | Punjab     | 2023- 24 | Kapurthala                             | Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli wetland                | 20.06 | 0    |
| 38 | Punjab     | 2023- 24 | Amritsar                               | Border Tourism Experience at Attari                     | 25.9  | 2.59 |
| 39 | Rajasthan  | 2023- 24 | Bundi                                  | Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipata n                   | 21.65 | 2.65 |
| 40 | Rajasthan  | 2024- 25 | Sikar                                  | Development works at Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple (Sikar) | 87.87 | 0    |
| 41 | Rajasthan* | 2024- 25 | Karni Mata temple, Bikaner dist.       | Development Works at Shri Karni mata mandir, Bikaner    | 22.57 | 0    |
| 42 | Rajasthan* | 2024- 25 | Malaseri Dungari (District - Bhilwara) | Development of Malaseri Dungri, Bhilwara District       | 48.73 | 0    |
| 43 | Sikkim     | 2023- 24 | Gyalshing                              | Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster               | 15.4  | 1.54 |
| 44 | Sikkim     | 2023- 24 | Gangtok                                | Gangtok Cultural Village                                | 22.59 | 2.25 |
| 45 | Tamil Nadu | 2023- 24 | Mamallapuram                           | Immersive experience at Shore Temple                    | 30.02 | 0    |
| 46 | Telangana  | 2023- 24 | Bhongir                                | Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone                          | 56.81 | 5.68 |
| 47 | Telangana  | 2023- 24 | Ananathagiri                           | Eco tourism zone at                                     | 38    | 3.8  |

|              |               |              |              | Ananathgiri forest                                                     |         |        |
|--------------|---------------|--------------|--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|--------|
| 48           | Tripura       | 2024- 25     | Agartala     | Tripura Heritage Village & Sangeet Experience at Agartala (Phase-1 &2) |   48.94 |   4.89 |
| 49           | Uttar Pradesh | 2023- 24     | Prayagraj    | Azad Park and Dekho Prayagraj Trail Exp                                |   14.52 |   1.45 |
| 50           | Uttar Pradesh | 2023- 24     | Naimisaranya | Vedic- wellness Experience                                             |   17.8  |   1.78 |
| 51           | Uttarakhand   | 2023- 24     | Pithoragarh  | Rural Tourism Cluster Experience at Gunji                              |   17.86 |   1.78 |
| 52           | Uttarakhand   | 2023- 24     | Champawat    | Tea Garden Experience                                                  |   19.89 |   1.98 |
| TOTAL AMOUNT | TOTAL AMOUNT  | TOTAL AMOUNT | TOTAL AMOUNT | TOTAL AMOUNT                                                           | 2108.87 | 166.35 |

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