Lok Sabha Question No. 393 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Development and Promotion of Tourist Destinations in Nashik
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Rajabhau Parag Prakash Waje

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.393

## ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF TOURIST

## DESTINATIONS IN NASHIK

## 393.   SHRI RAJABHAU PARAG PRAKASH WAJE:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of specific initiatives undertaken by the Government for the  comprehensive  development  and  promotion  of  Nashik  as  a tourist destination, including improvements in infrastructure, innovative branding and digital marketing to attract both domestic and international tourists;
- (b) the details of financial allocations and timelines for completion of key tourism infrastructure projects in Nashik, such as the development  of  religious  circuits,  promotion  of  vineyards  and enhancement of visitor amenities;
- (c) the  details  of  the  steps  taken/being  taken  to  ensure  community participation, sustainability and year-round tourism beyond pilgrimage seasons; and
- (d) the details of the plans of the Government for supporting Nashik's tourism  sector  through  new  partnerships,  skill  development  and global-scale events to boost long-term growth and employment in the local tourism industry?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM           (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (d): The  development  and  promotion  of  tourist  destinations  and tourism products is primarily undertaken by the respective State Government/ Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism, through its ongoing Central Sector Schemes of 'Swadesh Darshan (SD)',

'Swadesh Darshan  (SD2.0)', 'Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)' a  sub -scheme  of Swadesh  Darshan 2.0 scheme, 'Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)', 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual  Heritage  Augmentation  Drive  (PRAS HAD)' supplements the efforts of the States/UTs by providing financial assistance  for  the  development  of  tourism  related  infrastructure  in consultation with the concerned State Governments/UT Administrations.

As part of its ongoing promotional efforts, the Ministry of Tourism promotes  various  destinations  and  tourism  products  of  the  country, including  Nashik,  through  its  official  website,  digital  and  social  media platforms,  participation  in  fairs  and  festivals,  and  other  promotional activities aimed at domestic and international markets.

The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  sanctioned  2  projects  for  tourism infrastructure development in Nashik (Maharashtra), the details of which is given below:

| Name of Scheme                                                     | Name of the project                   |   Sanctioned cost (₹ in Crore) |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| PRASHAD                                                            | Development of Trimbakeshwar, Nashik  |                          45.41 |
| Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI Scheme) | Development of RAM-KAL PATH in Nashik |                          99.14 |

The Ministry of Tourism regularly monitors the progress of sanctioned projects and also encourages respective State Government/ UT Administrations to complete the projects in a time bound manner.

The  Ministry  under  these  schemes  emphasises  community-based and responsible tourism, including the involvement of local communities with a view to ensuring sustainability and enhanced livelihood opportunities at the respective destinations.

The Ministry of Tourism has put in place the Scheme of the Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) to provide training, skill upgradation and certification to tourism service providers across the country, including in Maharashtra. The training programmes are conducted through Central/State Governments and empanelled institutions from time to time including destinations and projects sanctioned under the aforementioned tourism  infrastructure  development  schemes  with  the  objective  of  skill development, enhancing service quality, promoting local employment and supporting sustainable tourism development.

Further,  the  States/UTs  are  required  to  ensure  the  sustainable operation  and  maintenance  of  completed  projects.  Wherever  required, Public -Private  Partnership  (PPP)  are  explored  to  ensure  the  long-term sustainability of the facilities created under the aforementioned Schemes. *******