Lok Sabha Question No. 2507 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-18
Subject: Sustainable Development in Tourism Sector through PRASHAD Scheme
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Faizal P.P. Mohammed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2507

## ANSWERED ON 18.12.2023

## SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN TOURISM

## SECTOR THROUGH PRASHAD SCHEME

## 2507. SHRI MOHAMMED FAIZAL P. P.:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  renovate  and  develop tourist spots in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner;
- (b) whether the Government has reduced the allocation under Tourism Infrastructure  from  Rs.1750.34  crore  at  the  BE  2022-23  stage  to Rs.1022.86 crore at the RE 2022-23 stage;
- (c) whether the Government plans to reinforce sustainable development  in  the  Indian  Tourism  sector  through  the  PRASHAD scheme and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a):   Ministry  of  Tourism  has  now  revamped  its  Swadesh  Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach.

Ministry  of  Tourism  has  formulated  National  Strategy  for  Sustainable Tourism.  In  line  with  the  National  Strategy  for  Sustainable  Tourism, Ministry of Tourism has launched the Travel for LiFE Initiative. Travel for LiFE  aims  to  promote  sustainable  tourism  in  the  country,  through mindful  and  deliberate  actions  mobilized  toward  tourists  and  tourism businesses in the consumption of tourism resources.

In order to promote sustainable and responsible tourist destinations and promote  sustainable  tourism  in  the  country,  Ministry  of  Tourism  in

- if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

association  with  Indian  Institute  of  Tourism  and  Travel  Management (IITTM), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Responsible  Tourism  Society  of  India  (RTSOI)  has  organised  Regional Workshops covering States/ UTs of different regions in the country.

(b): Yes, Sir.

(c):   The  PRASHAD  Scheme  is  a  central  sector  Scheme  aimed  at developing  tourist  amenities/facilities  across  India  at  pilgrimage  and heritage sites.

The Projects under the scheme are identified in consultation with the State  Governments  based  on  parameters  laid  down  in  the  Scheme Guidelines. These projects are implemented and executed by the State government through their respective agencies.

The  Projects under the Scheme  are  implemented  with  focus  on sustainability  in  terms  of  technical  &  Operational  aspect  in  following manner:

-  Use of environment friendly materials to reduce carbon emission.
-  Solar  plants  are  installed  to  make  the  facilities'  energy  selfsufficient.
-  Sanction of energy efficient vehicles and installation of  EV charging points at the sites.
-  Design improvisation and implementation of Solar Passive Architecture.
-  Organized  manner  of  placement  of  services/interventions  and waste disposal at the sites.
-  Adaptation of modern techniques for solid waste management.
-  Promotion of water harvesting and increase ground water recharge.

Further, Projects also emphasize community involvement in planning & operation of assets created.

(d): Does not arise.

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