Lok Sabha Question No. 294 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Promotion of Eco-Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†294

## ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## PROMOTION OF ECO-TOURISM

†294. SMT. MAHIMA KUMARI MEWAR:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken any special initiatives to promote eco-tourism across the country including Rajasthan while protecting the environment;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details of the efforts being made to promote tourism in areas like Nathdwara, Rajsamand, Kudki etc. of Rajasthan?

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (c): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including eco-tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration.

The Ministry of Tourism promotes India in a holistic manner, through various  initiatives.  As  part  of  on-going  activities;  promotion  of  ecotourism is also taken up. The Ministry of Tourism also regularly promotes various tourism destinations including Rajasthan through its website and social media promotions.

In order to position India as a preferred global destination for Eco Tourism,  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  formulated  National  Strategy  for  Eco Tourism.

Following strategic pillars have been identified for the development of Ecotourism:

- (i) State Assessment and Ranking
- (ii)
- State Strategy for Ecotourism

(iii) IEC, Capacity Building and Certification (iv) Marketing and Promotion (v) Destination and Product Development (vi) Public-Private and Community

- (vii) Partnerships Governance and Institutional Framework

Ministry of Tourism has identified Eco Circuit as one of the thematic circuits under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry has been revamped as Swadesh  Darshan  2 . 0  with  the  objective  to  develop  sustainable  and responsible tourism destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach.

The details of the projects sanctioned under various schemes of the Ministry in the State of Rajasthan is annexed.

******

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†294 ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026 REGARDING PROMOTION OF ECO-TOURISM RAISED BY SMT. MAHIMA KUMARI MEWAR

Details  of  Project  sanctioned  under  various  Schemes  in  the  State  of Rajasthan:

| Sr. No.   | Name of Project                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Amount Sanctioned (₹ in Crore)   |
|-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| A         | Swadesh Darshan 1.0                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |                                  |
| i.        | Development of Sambhar Lake Town and Other Destinations in Jaipur District (September 2015)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | 50.01                            |
| ii.       | Integrated Development of Govind Dev ji temple (Jaipur), Khatu Shyam Ji (Sikar) and Nathdwara (Rajsamand) (September 2016)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | 75.80                            |
| iii.      | Development of Spiritual Circuit- 'Development of Churu (Salasar Balaji)- Jaipur (Shri Samodke Balaji, Ghatke Balaji, Bandheke Balaji)- Viratnagar (Bijak, Jainnasiya, Ambika Temple)- Bharatpur (Kaman Region)- Dholpur (Muchkund) - Mehndipur Balaji- Chittorgarh (Sanwaliyaji) (March 2017)                                                                                                               | 87.05                            |
| iv.       | Development of Heritage Circuit Development of Rajsamand (Kumbhalgarh Fort) - Jaipur (Facade Illumination in Jaipur and Nahargarh Fort) -Jhalawar (Gagron Fort) - Chittorgarh (Chittorgarh Fort) - Jaisalmer (Jaisalmer Fort) - Hanumangarh (Gogamedi) - Udaipur (Pratap Gaurav Kendra) - Dholpur (Bagh-I- Nilofor and Purani Chawani) - Nagaur (Meera Bai Smarak, Merta) - Tonk (Sunehri Kothi) (June 2017) | 70.61                            |
|           | Total Sanction Cost                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          | 283.47                           |
| B         | Swadesh Darshan 2.0                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |                                  |
| i.        | Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipatan (Feb 2024, revised in June 2025)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 21.65                            |
| ii.       | Development works at Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple (Sikar) (March 2025)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | 87.87                            |
| iii.      | Development Works at Shri Karni Mata mandir, Bikaner (July 2025)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | 22.58                            |
| iv.       | Development of Malaseri Dungri, Bhilwara District (July 2025)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | 48.73                            |

|      | Total Sanction Cost                                                                                         | 180.83   |
|------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------|
| C    | PRASHAD                                                                                                     |          |
| i.   | Integrated Development of Pushkar/Ajmer (revised in September 2019)                                         | 32.64    |
|      | Total Sanction Cost                                                                                         | 32.64    |
| D    | Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)                                                 |          |
| i.   | Development at Amber-Nahargarh and Surrounding Area (November 2024)                                         | 49.31    |
| ii.  | Development at Jal Mahal (November 2024)                                                                    | 96.61    |
|      | Total Sanction Cost                                                                                         | 145.92   |
| E    | Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA)                                                                        |          |
| i.   | Development of Border Tourism at Shri Tanot Complex, Jaisalmer Sector                                       | 17.68    |
| ii.  | Installation of Musical Fountain & Water Screen Multimedia based projection show at Nawal Sagar Lake, Bundi | 9.26     |
| iii. | Ajmer Railway Station                                                                                       | 5.52     |
| iv.  | Jaipur Railway Station                                                                                      | 4.88     |
| v.   | Chittorgarh Railway Station                                                                                 | 4.99     |
|      | Total Cost                                                                                                  | 42.33    |
|      | Total Central Assistance                                                                                    | 685.19   |

*********