Question : Features of Swadesh Darshan Scheme

(a) the salient features of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme;
(b) whether the Government has sanctioned funds under this scheme to develop coastal tourism projects in Tamil Nadu during the last three years and the current year and if so, the details thereof, district-wise;
(c) the details of the target set and achievements made under this scheme in Tamil Nadu so far;
(d) whether the Government has received some more proposals including coastal circuit, eco circuit, heritage circuit and rural circuit from Tamil Nadu Government to include under this scheme; and
(e) if so, the details thereof, district-wise and the action taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a): The Ministry of Tourism under its scheme of Swadesh Darshan is developing thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritized manner with the following objectives:

• Enhancing the tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner by developing world class infrastructure in the circuit /destinations;
• Follow community based development and pro-poor tourism approach;
• Position tourism as a major engine of economic growth and job creation;
• Make full use of the potential and advantages in terms of available infrastructure, national culture and characteristic strong points of each and every region throughout the country by development of theme based circuits.

(b) and (c): Ministry has sanctioned a project for Development of Coastal circuit: Chennai- Mamamallapuram – Rameshwaram – Manpadu – Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu for Rs.74.58 crore during 2016-17. The project is under implementation and is expected to provide better tourist facilities and experience to the visitors.

(d) and (e): State Government of Tamil Nadu has not submitted any proposal under the coastal circuit, eco circuit, heritage circuit and rural circuit theme of the scheme.

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