Question : Promotion of Eco-Tourism

(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce any scheme to promote eco-tourism in various States of the country;
(b) whether the Government has received any proposals from the various States for development and promotion of eco-tourism;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the status of the proposals along with the funds allocated and expenditure incurred by the Government during the last three years, State/UT-wise;
(d) the employment provided and revenue generated through eco-tourism during the last three years, State/UT-wise; and
(e) whether the Government would provide forest land to start more projects to increase tourist spots in hilly areas and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (c): Yes, Madam. Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme in the year 2014-15 for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits. Eco Circuit is one of the thirteen thematic circuits identified for development under the scheme. The following projects have been sanctioned under the Eco Circuit theme so far:
<pre> (Rs. in crore)
Sl. No. State (Year of Sanction) Name of the Project Amount Sanctioned
1. Uttarakhand
(2015-16) Integrated Development of Eco-Tourism, Adventure Sports, Associated Tourism related Infrastructure for Development of Tehri Lake & Surroundings as New Destination-District Tehri. 80.37


2. Telangana (2015-16) Integrated Development of Eco Tourism Circuit in Mahaboobnagar District. 91.62
3. Kerala
(2015-16) Development of Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Vagamon – Thekkady as Eco Tourism Circuit in Idukki and Pathanamthitta Districts. 99.22
</pre>
(d): Ministry of Tourism does not separately compile the information on employment and revenue generated from various tourism products. However, the Foreign Exchange Earnings through tourism in India during 2013, 2014, 2015 and January – October, 2016 were Rs.1,07,671 crore, Rs.1,23,320 crore, Rs.1,35,193 crore and Rs.1,24,371 crore, respectively.

As per 2nd Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) of India, and its subsequent estimates, the contribution of tourism to the total employment of the country during 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 was 10.17%, 10.78%, 11.49% and 12.36%, respectively. This information for the subsequent years is not available.

(e): The land for the development of tourism projects is provided by the respective State Govt/UT and Central Agency. The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/Union Territories and Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country, under respective schemes.

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