Lok Sabha Question No. 1217 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-08
Subject: Sustainability and Performance of SDS 2.0
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Shri Dilip Saikia, Shri Jagdambika Pal, Shri Naba Charan Majhi, Shri Gopal Jee Thakur, Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh, Smt. Kamlesh Jangde, Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti, Shri Vijay Kumar Dubey, Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1217

## ANSWERED ON 08.12.2025

## SUSTAINABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF SDS 2.0

## 1217. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:

SHRI KRISHNA PRASAD TENNETI:

SHRI DILIP SAIKIA:

SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH:

SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL:

SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI:

SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE:

SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR:

SHRI NABA CHARAN MAJHI:

SHRI VIJAY KUMAR DUBEY:

## Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the manner in which the Government is ensuring environmental and socio-cultural sustainability in Swadesh Darshan (SD) 2.0 projects in view of gaps found in Swadesh Darshan (SD) 1.0 audits along with the manner in which these safeguards are being applied in destinations in Odisha;
- (b) whether any mechanisms have been established to keep Destination Master  Plans  (DMPs)  updated  with  carrying-capacity  data,  climate risks and sudden tourist surges, particularly for high-pressure sites in Odisha;
- (c) the reasons for introducing the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) approach under SD 2.0 along with the details of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used to assess the performance of the 42 selected destinations, including those located in Odisha;
- (d) the manner in which SD 2.0 aligns with the "Vocal for Local'' mission to  ensure  that  tourism  infrastructure,  procurement  and  service contracts promote local employment, MSMEs, artisans and community-led tourism particularly in Odisha; and
- (e) whether  any  site  has  been  selected  under  the  said  scheme  in Darbhanga  Lok  Sabha  Constituency  in  Bihar  and  if  so,  the  details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and tourism products  along-with  formulating  &  updating  of  Destination  Master  Plans (DMPs) is primarily undertaken by the respective State Government (SG)/ Union  Territory  Administration  (UTA).  However,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism complements  these  efforts  by  providing  financial assistance  to the SGs/UTAs through its various schemes including Swadesh Darshan scheme (SDS), 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 revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh  Darshan  2.0  (SD2.0)  with  the  idea  to  develop  sustainable  and responsible  tourism  destinations.  The  areas  identified  for  improvement under SD2.0 include broad basing of Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee, strategic selection of destinations, focus on both hard & soft interventions,  strengthening  of  project  implementation  &  monitoring, operation  &  maintenance  on  sustainable  basis  etc.  As  per  the  scheme guidelines, the State prepares a State Perspective plan analysing tourism potential of various destinations based on multiple factors including major tourism  attractions,  offerings  and  themes,  connectivity,  current  tourism eco-system, future tourism potential at destination etc. SD2.0 scheme also envisages enhancement of contribution of tourism to the local economies, creation of jobs for local communities, enhance local cultural and natural resources etc.

Subsequent  to  Budget  Announcement  2023-24,  Ministry  of  Tourism launched  Challenge  Based  Destination  Development  (CBDD)  initiative, under Swadesh  Darshan  2.0  scheme  with  the  intention of holistic development of destinations and to enhance tourist experiences. Destinations  were  identified  under  4  thematic  categories  viz.  spiritual tourism, culture & heritage, vibrant village programme and  Ecotourism & Amrit Dharohar sites. The initiative also emphasises on strengthening of Destination Management Organizations.

The details of the projects sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism under SD2.0 and CBDD in the country including the State of Odisha and Bihar is annexed.

********

ANNEXURE

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO . 1217 ANSWERED ON 08 . 12 . 2025 REGARDING SUSTAINABILITY  AND  PERFORMANCE  OF  SDS  2.0  RAISED  BY  SHRI BHARTRUHARI  MAHTAB,  SHRI  KRISHNA  PRASAD  TENNETI,  SHRI  DILIP SAIKIA,  SHRI  PRADEEP  KUMAR  SINGH,  SHRI  JAGDAMBIKA  PAL,  SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI, SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE, SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR, SHRI NABA CHARAN MAJHI AND SHRI VIJAY KUMAR DUBEY

Details of Project sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2 . 0 Scheme

|   S. No. | State/UT          | Year of Sanction   | Destination       | Name of the Experience                                               |   Sanctioned Amount (₹ Cr ore) |
|----------|-------------------|--------------------|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|
|        1 | Andhra Pradesh    | 2024-25            | Bapatala          | Development of Suryalanka Beach Experience                           |                          97.52 |
|        2 | Andhra Pradesh    | 2023-24            | Araku- Lambasingi | Borra Cave Experience at Araku                                       |                          29.88 |
|        3 | Arunachal Pradesh | 2023-24            | Nacho             | Unlock Nacho Expedition                                              |                          14.02 |
|        4 | Arunachal Pradesh | 2023-24            | Mechuka           | Mechuka Cultural Haat                                                |                          18.48 |
|        5 | Arunachal Pradesh | 2023-24            | Mechuka           | Mechuka Adventure Park                                               |                          12.75 |
|        6 | Assam             | 2023-24            | Kokrajhar         | Kokrajhar Wetland Experience                                         |                          26.67 |
|        7 | Assam             | 2023-24            | Jorhat            | Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate                                     |                          23.88 |
|        8 | Bihar             | 2024-25            | Bodh Gaya         | Development of the Buddhist Meditation &Experience Centre, Bodh Gaya |                         165.44 |

|   9. | Chhattisgarh                         | 2024-25   | Kawardha                               | Bhoramdeo Corridor Development, Kabirdham District                     |   145.99 |
|------|--------------------------------------|-----------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------|
|   10 | Dadra Nagar & Haveli and Daman & Diu | 2024-25   | Daman                                  | Daman Convention Centre                                                |   147.13 |
|   11 | Goa                                  | 2023-24   | Porvorim                               | Porvorim Creek Experience                                              |    24.07 |
|   12 | Goa                                  | 2023-24   | Colva                                  | Colva Beach Experience                                                 |    19.89 |
|   13 | Haryana                              | 2024-25   | Panchkula                              | Development of Adventure Tourism Hub at Tikkar Taal and Adventure Park |    26.68 |
|   14 | Haryana                              | 2024-25   | Panchkula                              | Rejuvenation of Yadavindra Garden                                      |    65.82 |
|   15 | Himachal Pradesh                     | 2024-25   | Maa Chintpurni Temple (District - Una) | Development of Maa Chintpurni Devi Temple, Una                         |    56.26 |
|   16 | Karnataka                            | 2023-24   | Hampi                                  | Setting up of 'Traveller nooks'                                        |    25.64 |
|   17 | Karnataka                            | 2023-24   | Mysuru                                 | Tonga ride Heritage experience zone                                    |     2.72 |
|   18 | Karnataka                            | 2023-24   | Mysuru                                 | Ecological Experience Zone                                             |    18.48 |
|   19 | Kerala                               | 2023-24   | Kumarakom                              | Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience                                    |    13.81 |
|   20 | Kerala                               | 2024-25   | Alappuzha                              | Alappuzha: A Global Water Wonderland                                   |    93.18 |

|   21. | Kerala         | 2024-25   | Malampuzha             | Enhancement of Tourist Experience at Malampuzha Garden and Leisure Park   |   75.87 |
|-------|----------------|-----------|------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
|    22 | Ladakh         | 2023-24   | Leh                    | Julley Leh Biodiversity Park                                              |   23.17 |
|    23 | Ladakh         | 2023-24   | Kargil                 | Exploring LOC and Hundarman village Experience                            |   11.91 |
|    24 | Lakshadweep    | 2024-25   | Bangaram               | Enhancement of Tourist Experience at Bangaram                             |   81.18 |
|    25 | Madhya Pradesh | 2023-24   | Gwalior                | Phoolbagh Experience Zone                                                 |   16.74 |
|    26 | Madhya Pradesh | 2023-24   | Chitrakoot             | Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot                                        |   27.21 |
|    27 | Madhya Pradesh | 2024-25   | Pitambara Peeth, Datia | Development of Pitambara Peeth Datia                                      |   44.24 |
|    28 | Maharashtra    | 2023-24   | Pune                   | Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3                                |   76.22 |
|    29 | Meghalaya      | 2023-24   | Sohra                  | Waterfall Trails Experience                                               |   27.6  |
|    30 | Meghalaya      | 2023-24   | Sohra                  | Meghalayan Age Cave Experience                                            |   32.45 |
|    31 | Mizoram        | 2024-25   | Champhai               | Eco Resort Experience at Keilungliah, Zote, Ngur&Mualbuh                  |   38.85 |

|    |            |         |                | vum, Champhai                                                 |       |
|----|------------|---------|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|-------|
| 32 | Mizoram    | 2024-25 | Champhai       | Heritage and Cultural Centre, Champhai                        | 33.87 |
| 33 | Mizoram    | 2025-26 | Thingsulthliah | Construction of Conference Centre                             | 99.71 |
| 34 | Nagaland   | 2023-24 | Chumoukedim a  | Eco-Tourism Exp at Chumoukedim a viewpoint                    |  7.87 |
| 35 | Nagaland   | 2023-24 | Chumuoukedi ma | Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat                  | 21.56 |
| 36 | Nagaland   | 2024-25 | Chumuoukedi ma | Adventure Tourism Experience at Jacob Village, Chumoukedie ma | 32.54 |
| 37 | Puducherry | 2023-24 | Karaikal       | Karaikal beach and waterfront experience                      | 20.29 |
| 38 | Punjab     | 2023-24 | Kapurthala     | Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli wetland                      | 20.06 |
| 39 | Punjab     | 2023-24 | Amritsar       | Border Tourism Experience at Attari                           | 25.91 |
| 40 | Rajasthan  | 2023-24 | Bundi          | Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipata n                         | 21.65 |
| 41 | Rajasthan  | 2024-25 | Sikar          | Development works at Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple (Sikar)       | 87.87 |

|   42. | Rajasthan     | 2024-25   | Karni Mata temple, Bikaner dist.       | Development Works at Shri Karni mata mandir, Bikaner                   |   22.58 |
|-------|---------------|-----------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
|    43 | Rajasthan     | 2024-25   | MalaseriDung ari (District - Bhilwara) | Development of MalaseriDungr i, Bhilwara District                      |   48.73 |
|    44 | Sikkim        | 2023-24   | Gyalshing                              | Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster                              |   15.41 |
|    45 | Sikkim        | 2023-24   | Gangtok                                | Gangtok Cultural Village                                               |   22.6  |
|    46 | Tamil Nadu    | 2023-24   | Mamallapura m                          | Immersive experience at Shore Temple                                   |   30.02 |
|    47 | Telangana     | 2023-24   | Bhongir                                | Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone                                         |   56.82 |
|    48 | Telangana     | 2023-24   | Ananathagiri                           | Eco tourism zone at Ananathgiri forest                                 |   38.01 |
|    49 | Tripura       | 2024-25   | Agartala                               | Tripura Heritage Village & Sangeet Experience at Agartala (Phase-1 &2) |   48.95 |
|    50 | Uttar Pradesh | 2023-24   | Prayagraj                              | Azad Park and Dekho Prayagraj Trail Exp                                |   14.52 |
|    51 | Uttar Pradesh | 2023-24   | Naimisaranya                           | Vedic- wellness Experience                                             |   17.8  |
|    52 | Uttarakhand   | 2023-24   | Pithoragarh                            | Rural Tourism Cluster                                                  |   17.86 |

|              |              |              |              | Experience at Gunji   |         |
|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|-----------------------|---------|
| 53.          | Uttarakhand  | 2023-24      | Champawat    | Tea Garden Experience |   19.89 |
| TOTAL AMOUNT | TOTAL AMOUNT | TOTAL AMOUNT | TOTAL AMOUNT | TOTAL AMOUNT          | 2208.27 |

## Details of Project sanctioned under Challenge-Based Destination Development

| S. No. State/UT     | Year of Sanction                                | Name of the Project                                             | Category                             | Sanctione d Amount (₹ Cr ore)   |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| 1 Andhra Pradesh    | 2024-25 Ahobilam-A spiritual Odyssey            | Spiritual Tourism                                               | 25.00                                |                                 |
| 2 Andhra Pradesh    | 2024-25 Enriching Heritage Cultural Experiences | Buddhist and at Culture & Heritage                              |                                      | 25.00                           |
| 3 Arunachal Pradesh | 2024-25                                         | Bichom Dam Adventure & Eco- Tourism Project                     | Ecotouris m and Amrit Dharohar Sites | 9.90                            |
| 4 Arunachal Pradesh | 2024-25                                         | Kibhito Frontier Tourism - Gateway to Serenity                  | Vibrant Village Programme            | 4.96                            |
| 5 Assam             | 2024-25                                         | Panidhing Bird Sanctuary, Sivasagar                             | m and Amrit Dharohar Sites           | 9.99                            |
| 6 Bihar             | 2024-25                                         | Development of Tourist Facilities at Sonepur Mela Ground, Saran | Culture & Heritage                   | 24.29                           |
| 7 Chhattisgarh      | 2024-25                                         | Development of MayaliBagicha as Eco Tourism Destination         | Ecotouris m and Amrit Dharohar Sites | 9.97                            |
| 8 Goa               | 2024-25                                         | Beautification and Development of                               | Ecotouris m and                      | 9.81                            |

|                     |         | at                                                              | Harvalem Waterfall Mayem Village                                                     | Amrit Dharohar Sites                 |       |
|---------------------|---------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------|
| 9 Gujarat           | 2024-25 | Transformation of sharmishtha Lake: Light & culture at Vadnagar | Culture & Heritage                                                                   | 17.29                                |       |
| 10 Gujarat          | 2024-25 | The Sacred Ocean Retreat at Harsiddhi Shore, Porbandar          | Spiritual Tourism                                                                    | 24.66                                |       |
| 11 Gujarat          | 2024-25 |                                                                 | THOL: Transformative Tourism' Harmonious Sustainability, Optimized Skilling' Leading | Ecotouris m and Amrit Dharohar Sites | 9.96  |
| 12 Himachal Pradesh | 2024-25 | Tourism Infrastructure Development Kaza                         | Technology at Culture                                                                | & Heritage                           | 24.82 |
| 13 Himachal Pradesh | 2024-25 | Infrastructure Development Rakchham, Chhitkul                   | Tourism at Vibrant Village Programme                                                 |                                      | 4.96  |
| 14 Jharkhand        | 2024-25 | Tourism Infrastructure Development at Ramrekha Simdega          | Dham,                                                                                | Spiritual Tourism                    | 18.87 |
| 15 Kerala           | 2024-25 | Thalassery:                                                     | The Spiritual Nexus                                                                  | Spiritual Tourism                    | 25.00 |
| 16 Kerala           | 2024-25 |                                                                 | Varkala- Dakshin Kashi                                                               | Culture & Heritage                   | 25.00 |
| 17 Ladakh           | 2024-25 |                                                                 | Advancing Mushkoh as a Sustainable Tourism Hub: Integrating wildlife                 | Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites  | 9.82  |

|                   |         | progress                                                                       | community                            |                   |       |
|-------------------|---------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------|-------|
| 18 Madhya Pradesh | 2024-25 | Medieval Splendor 2.0, Orchha                                                  | Spiritual Tourism                    | 25.00             |       |
| 19 Maharashtra    | 2024-25 | Development of Ahmednagar Fort                                                 | Culture & Heritage                   |                   | 25.00 |
| 20 Manipur        | 2024-25 | Development of Ancient capital of Manipur, LangthabalKonug                     | Culture & Heritage                   | 24.69             |       |
| 21 Meghalaya      | 2024-25 | Mawphlang cultural & Heritage centre                                           | Culture & Heritage                   | 24.87             |       |
| 22 Meghalaya      | 2024-25 | Nartiang &                                                                     | Spiritual Cultural Centre            | Spiritual Tourism | 24.87 |
| 23 Nagaland       | 2024-25 | Soulful Trails: The Impur Heritage Experience, Impur Village                   | Spiritual Tourism                    | 24.94             |       |
| 24 Nagaland       | 2024-25 | Development of wings over Doyang: An Eco-Tourism Haven' Doyang Reservoir       | Ecotouris m and Amrit Dharohar Sites | 10.00             |       |
| 25 Puducherry     | 2024-25 | Development of White Town                                                      | Culture & Heritage                   | 22.19             |       |
| 26 Punjab         | 2024-25 | Cultural and Heritage Strech at Hussainiwala Border, Ferozepur                 | Culture & Heritage                   |                   | 25.00 |
| 27 Punjab         | 2024-25 | Heritage street -A Symbol of peace and Harmony at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar | Spiritual Tourism                    | 24.90             |       |
| 28 Sikkim         | 2024-25 | Echoes of Valor: The Gnathang Valley Experience," Gnathang Village             | Vibrant Village Programme            | 5.00              |       |
| 29 Sikkim         | 2024-25 | Kabi Chronicles: A journey through Unity and Heritage, Kabi, Mangan            | Spiritual Tourism                    |                   | 24.96 |

| 30    | Tamil Nadu        | 2024-25                | lconic Transformation of Rameswaram                          | Spiritual Tourism                   |   20.01 |
|-------|-------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|---------|
| 31    | Telangana 2024-25 | Centre at Bhuddhavanam | Digital Experience in Nalgonda                               | Culture & Heritage                  |   24.85 |
| 32    | Telangana         | 2024-25                | Development of Eco-Tourism Project at Nizam Sagar, Kamareddy | Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites |    9.98 |
| 33    | Uttar Pradesh     | 2024-25                | Development of Cultural Landscape at Mahoba                  | Culture & Heritage                  |   24.98 |
| 34    | Uttarakhand       | 2024-25                | Development of Jadung Festive Ground', Jadung                | Vibrant Village Programme           |    4.99 |
| 35    | Uttarakhand       | 2024-25                | Development of Kainchidham campus, Kainchidham               | Spiritual Tourism                   |   17.6  |
| 36    | Uttarakhand       | 2024-25                | Mana Haat project                                            | Vibrant Village Programme           |    4.99 |
| Total | Total             | Total                  | Total                                                        | Total                               |  648.11 |

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