(a) whether the Government proposes to set up rural tourism clusters and tourist parks to encourage tourism on a large scale;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of such clusters and parks proposed to be set up in Jammu and Madhya Pradesh?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the table of the House.
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STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.†*307 ANSWERED ON 15.07.2019 REGARDING RURAL TOURISM CLUSTERS AND TOURIST PARKS.
(a) to (c): Ministry of Tourism under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme- Integrated Development of Theme Based Tourist Circuits is developing tourism infrastructure in the fifteen identified circuits, across the country, having tourist potential in a planned and prioritized manner. Under this scheme Ministry is developing public infrastructure in circuits including Tourist Parks and Tourism Clusters.
Rural Circuit has been identified as one of the thematic circuit for development with an objective to develop basic infrastructure for showcasing the Rural sites and culture of the country to the tourists.
The projects under the above scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier. Based on the above criteria, the details of projects sanctioned under Rural Circuit are as follows:
(Rs. in crore)
<pre>
Sr.
No. State/ Sanction Year Project Name Amount Sanctioned
1. Bihar
(2017-18) Development of Bhitiharwa - Chandrahia - Turkaulia 44.65
2. Kerala
(2018-19) Development of Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism Project 80.37
Total 125.02
</pre>
No proposal has been sanctioned in Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh under Rural Circuit theme. However, Ministry has sanctioned 6 projects in Jammu & Kashmir under Himalayan Circuit theme and 4 projects in Madhya Pradesh under Wildlife, Buddhist, Heritage and Eco Circuit theme. Some of the sites covered under these projects falls under the Rural Areas. The details of projects sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh under Swadesh Darshan Scheme are annexed.
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