(a) whether the Union Government propose to develop tourism circuits by connecting cultural and tourism hubs in Darjeeling, Jaldapara and Coochbehar in West Bengal and also at Gangtok in Sikkim;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the action taken by the Government in the matter?
MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI JAGMOHAN)
(a) to (c): The Department of Tourism, Government of India has formulated schemes for
the development of Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits and
Product/Infrastructure and Destination Development in the States/UTs during the Tenth
Plan. In the first year of the Tenth Plan-2002-03, the following works have been
sanctioned for development of Darjeeling as tourist destination:-
Sl. No. Item of Work Amount Sanctioned (Rupees)
1. Integrated Development of Shrubbery, Nightingale Park, Darjeeling. 1,45,16,835.00
2. Illumination of Historical Monuments, Darjeeling 39,47,425.00
3. Beautification and construction of View Points near Peshok Wayside 7,68,220.00 Inn, Darjeeling.
4. Beautification and construction of View Point near Dilaram 6,42,000.00 Wayside Inn, Darjeeling.
5. Car Park below Silver Fir, Darjeeling. 2,36,000.00
Total 2,01,10,480.00
The following works has also been sanctioned for development of Sikkim as tourist destination:-
Sl.No. Item of Work Amount Sanctioned (Rs.in lakhs)
1. Tourist Lodge at Chopta Valley. 63.21
2. Tourist Information Centre at Lachen 8.87
3. Development of Tourist Infrastructure at Rumtek. 74.00
4. Development of Tourist infrastructure at Durpeneydara at Chakung 82.30
5. Purchase of Paddle Boats 7.20
Total: 235.58
No project has been sanctioned for Jaldapara and Coochbehar in the year 2002-03.