Question : ECO TOURISM

(a) whether the development of eco tourism resorts in Karnataka at a cost of Rs. 422.98 lakhs is pending with the Union Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the State Government has fulfilled the observations made by the Union Government in this regard;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the development of infrastructure in Karnataka at the cost of Rs. 800 lakhs also pending with the Union Government; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Union Government thereon?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)

(a) to (d): Development, promotion and implementation of tourism projects is primarily undertaken by the State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations. However, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for tourism projects, identified in consultation with them, subject to availability of funds and inter-se-priority under various schemes of the Ministry.

A project for development of eco-tourism resorts in Karnataka at a cost of Rs.422.98 lakh was received from the State Government of Karnataka. On scrutiny it was found deficient in terms of scheme guidelines of the Ministry of Tourism. The State Government has recently resubmitted the proposal.

(e) to (f): The project for development of infrastructure facilities at Pilikula Nisargadhama, Mangalore at a total cost of Rs.800.00 lakhs received from the State Government of Karnataka has not been seen included in the prioritised list for Central Financial Assistance for the year 2010-11.