Lok Sabha Question No. 1338 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-08
Subject: Development of Tourism Circuits under SDS 2.0 in Maharashtra
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Adv Gowaal Kagada Padavi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1338 ANSWERED ON 08.12.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM CIRCUITS UNDER SDS 2.0 IN MAHARASHTRA

## 1338. ADV GOWAAL KAGADA PADAVI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has launched any new schemes or programmes in 2025 under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative for developing rural, eco and tribal tourism circuits;
- (b) the details of projects sanctioned in Maharashtra under the said scheme during 2024 -25 and 2025 -26;
- (c) whether the Nandurbar Lok Sabha Constituency has been considered for inclusion under the Tribal or Eco-Tourism Circuit of Swadesh Darshan;
- (d) the details of the measures taken/being taken to promote communityled and sustainable tourism in tribal districts;
- (e) whether the Government proposes to allocate funds for upgrading local tourist sites, rest houses and heritage trails in Nandurbar; and
- (f) the timeline for implementation of new tourism infrastructure projects in Maharashtra's rural and border districts?

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a)  to  (f):  Development  and  promotion  of  tourist  destinations  and  tourism products is primarily undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. However, the Ministry of Tourism complements these  efforts  by  providing  financial  assistance  to  the  State  Governments/ Union  Territory  Administration  through  its  various  schemes,  to  develop tourism  infrastructure  and  experiences  in  the  country;  on  receipt  of  the project proposals from the concerned SGs/UTAs under the relevant schemes in synergy with the scheme guidelines, Government instructions, availability of funds etc. The Ministry of Tourism under its revamped scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) and 'Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan scheme has sanctioned 53 and 36 projects respectively  in  the  country  including  Maharashtra.  Various  aspects  of sustainability and community engagement are embedded in the said schemes and  the  sanctioned  projects  include  variety  of  components  pertaining  to development of tourism infrastructure and experiences. While reviewing the projects,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  informed  the  State  Governments/UT Administrations to complete the projects sanctioned under SD2.0 and CBDD initiatives by March, 2026. The details of the projects sanctioned under SD2.0 and CBDD in the State of Maharashtra is annexed. The Ministry of Tourism in 2025-26 has also circulated the guidelines for 'Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas' under Swadesh Darshan scheme and  template  for  formulation  of  proposal  to  the  State  Governments/UT Administrations. The initiative envisages to develop homestays in tribal areas to promote responsible tourism and enhance livelihood opportunities for tribal communities and encourage the stakeholders to adopt sustainable tourism practices in the tribal villages. It focuses on providing financial assistance of up  to  ₹5  lakh  for  village  community  requirements,  up  to  ₹5  lakh  for  the construction of two new rooms for each household, and up to ₹3 lakh for the renovation of existing rooms for each household.

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ANNEXURE

STATEMENT  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (f)  of  LOK  SABHA  UNSTARRED QUESTION NO . 1338 ANSWERED ON 08 . 12 . 2025 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM CIRCUITS UNDER SDS 2.0 IN MAHARASHTRA RAISED BY ADV GOWAAL KAGADA PADAVI

Details of Project sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2 . 0 & Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) in the State of Maharashtra:

(Amount in ₹ Crore)

| Scheme/ Sub-scheme                             | Name of project/ experience                | Year of sanction   |   Sanctioned Amount |
|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------|---------------------|
| Swadesh Darshan 2 . 0                          | Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3 | 2023-24            |               76.22 |
| Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) | Development of Ahmednagar Fort             | 2024-25            |               25    |

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