(a) whether there is a proposal to build rural tourism clusters and tourism parks to promote tourism at a large scale in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise; and
(c) the details and the number of such clusters and parks proposed to be set up in Gujarat?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)
(a) & (b): The Ministry of Tourism, under the scheme of Swadesh Darshan, provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations/Central Agencies for development of tourist infrastructure in identified thematic circuits in the country. The projects for development under the scheme are identified in consultation with the State Governments/UT 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.
Rural circuit is one of the fifteen thematic circuits identified for development under the scheme. The list of projects sanctioned by the Ministry under the Rural Circuit is as below:
(Rs. in crore)
<pre>
S. No. State/Year of Sanction Name of the Project Amount Sanctioned
1. Bihar
2017-18 Development of Bhitiharwa - Chandrahia - Turkaulia 44.65
2. Kerala 2018-19 Development of Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism 80.37
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(c): The list of projects sanctioned to the State of Gujarat under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme is given at the Annexure. No project has been sanctioned to the state under Rural Circuit theme.
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