Question : Identification of Coastal Circuit under Swadesh Darshan

(a) whether the Government has identified coastal circuit as one of the circuits under Swadesh Darshan;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the theme of the coastal circuit;
(c) the projects approved/sanctioned so far during the last three years along with the details of the projects under implementation;
(d) whether the Government has cleared Visakhapattnam-Bheemunipattnam beach Corridor Mega Circuit in Andhra Pradesh; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the Central Financial Assistance released for this circuit so far?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme with a vision to develop theme based tourist circuits on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner by synergizing efforts to focus on needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities. Coastal Circuit is one of the twelve thematic circuits identified for development under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.

(c): The details of projects sanctioned during the year 2014-15 and 2015-16 under the scheme including the coastal circuit are annexed.

(d) & (e): The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned the project-development of Vishakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam Beach Corridor mega circuit in Andhra Pradesh for Rs.45.88 crore under the scheme of Product/Infrastructure Development for Destination and Circuits in the year 2012-13.
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