Lok Sabha Question No. 426 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-02
Subject: Development of Bishwanath Ghat, Assam
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Ranjit Dutta

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †426 ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026

## DEVELOPMENT OF BISHWANATH GHAT, ASSAM

## †426. SHRI RANJIT DUTTA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken any steps for the development of Bishwanath Ghat in Assam which was awarded the title of India's Best Tourism Village in 2023;
- (b) the details of approved infrastructure and connectivity projects in the area to promote sustainable tourism;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to include Bishwanath Ghat under any specific tourism scheme or circuit such as Swadesh Darshan or PRASHAD;
- (d) the details of the measures taken/being taken for local employment generation and the conservation of the cultural and natural heritage of Bishwanath Ghat; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM           (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): 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 2.0 (SD  2.0)',  '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 (PRASHAD)' , ' Assistance  to  Central  Agencies  for  Tourism  Infrastructure

Development(ACA) ' supplements  the  efforts  of  the  States/UTs/Central Agencies by providing financial assistance for the development of tourism related infrastructure in consultation with them. The Ministry of Tourism under these schemes has sanctioned various projects for tourism infrastructure development in the State of Assam, the details of which is at annexure. Under  aforementioned  schemes,  the  Ministry  seeks  to  develop tourism  infrastructure  in  a  holistic  and  sustainable  manner  with  the objective of boosting tourism, conserving local culture, generating employment and strengthening the local economy. Proposals for seeking financial assistance for the development of the tourism infrastructure are formulated by the concerned State/UT/Central Agency.  The  proposals  received  are  examined  in  accordance  with  the prescribed  guidelines,  and  financial  assistance  is  provided  subject  to fulfilment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds. the

At present, there is no proposal under consideration for development of Bishwanath Ghat, Assam.

*******

## ANNEXURE

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. † 426 ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF BISHWANATH GHAT, ASSAM RAISED BY SHRI RANJIT DUTTA

List  of  projects  sanctioned  by  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  in  the  State  of Assam:

| Scheme                                                      | S. No.   | Name of Project                                                                                                        | Sanction Year   |   Sanction Cost (₹ in Crore) |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------|
| Swadesh Darshan 1.0                                         | i.       | Development of Manas - Probitora - Nameri - Kaziranga - Dibru - Saikhowa                                               | 2015            |                        94.68 |
| Swadesh Darshan 1.0                                         | ii.      | Development of Tezpur - Majuli - Sibsagar                                                                              | 2017            |                        90.98 |
| Swadesh Darshan 1.0                                         |          | Total Sanction Cost                                                                                                    |                 |                       185.66 |
| Swadesh Darshan 2.0                                         | i.       | Kokrajhar Wetland Experience                                                                                           | 2024            |                        26.67 |
| Swadesh Darshan 2.0                                         | ii.      | Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate Experience in Jorhat                                                                  | 2024            |                        23.88 |
| Swadesh Darshan 2.0                                         |          | Total Sanction Cost                                                                                                    |                 |                        50.56 |
| Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)              | i.       | Panidhing Bird Sanctuary, Sivasagar                                                                                    | 2025            |                         9.99 |
| Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)              |          | Total Sanction Cost                                                                                                    |                 |                         9.99 |
| PRASHAD                                                     | i.       | Development of Kamakhya Temple and Pilgrimage Destination in and around Guwahati                                       | 2015            |                        29.8  |
| PRASHAD                                                     |          | Total Sanction Cost                                                                                                    |                 |                        29.8  |
| Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) | i.       | Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati                                                                       | 2024            |                        97.12 |
|                                                             | ii.      | Beautification of Rang Ghar in Sivasagar                                                                               | 2024            |                        94.76 |
|                                                             |          | Total Sanction Cost                                                                                                    |                 |                       191.88 |
| Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure   | i.       | Development of Jetties at 9 main points of embarkation/disembarkation of River Cruize on National Water ways No. 1 & 2 | 2020            |                        28.03 |
| Development (ACA)                                           | ii.      | Kamakhya Railway Station                                                                                               | 2018            |                         4.96 |
|                                                             | iii.     | Guwahati Railway Station                                                                                               | 2018            |                         4.99 |
|                                                             |          | Total Sanctioned cost                                                                                                  |                 |                        37.98 |
|                                                             |          | Total Central Assistance                                                                                               |                 |                       505.87 |