(a) whether Government has any plan to exploit wildlife and forest tourism
potential in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to promote wildlife and forest
tourism; and
(d) the funds earmarked/released to the State Governments during the
current five year plan period for the purpose?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a)&(b): Development, promotion and implementation of various tourism
infrastructure projects including Eco-tourism projects are primarily the
responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT)
Administration. The Ministry of Tourism, however, provides Central Financial
Assistance (CFA) for Tourism projects identified in consultation with them
subject to availability of funds, inter-se-priority and adherence to the scheme
guidelines.
(c): The Ministry of Tourism, inter alia, undertakes international and
domestic publicity in a holistic manner to promote various tourist
destinations and products. It also supports seminars and events to promote
eco-tourism.
(d): The details of projects sanctioned to various State Governments/Union
Territory Administrations which primarily focus on development of Eco-
tourism during the current five year plan period upto 30th September, 2011
are given in annexure. The Ministry of Tourism earmarks no separate funds
for eco-tourism projects.