(a) whether a unique crater at Lonar in Maharashtra is one of the five largest such craters in the world;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to develop Lonar Crater and Lake as a International Tourist Spot to attracts foreign and domestic tourists;
(c) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
(d) the assistance provided to the State Government during the current year?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)(SMT. RENUKA CHOWDHURY)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) and (c): No proposal has been recently received from the State Government to develop Lonar Crater and Lake. However, the Ministry of Tourism had sanctioned a project for improvement of facilities at Lonar Crater, Buldana costing Rs.49.82 lakhs during the year 1998-99. The project has since been completed. Besides a project proposal for Conservation and Development of Lonar Crater has been prepared by Government of Maharashtra which has been included in Japan Bank of International Cooperation funded Ajanta Ellora Development Programme Phase II project.
(d): During 2004-05 Government of India, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Rs. 1620.69 lakh as Central Financial Assistance to the State of Maharashtra.