Question : Financial Assistance for Development of Eco-Tourism

(a) whether the Government has implemented any eco-tourism projects during the last three years, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(b) the funds allocated to the State Governments and expenditure incurred in this regard during the last three years, year-wise and State-wise including Maharashtra;
(c) whether any evaluation has been done by the Government to check whether eco-tourism resulted in generating increased income in the local communities including marginalized, SC/ST, rural and particularly women-led Haats/Fairs and local crafts;
(d) if so, the details thereof including per capita economic benefits accrued to each community; and
(e) whether in respect of Eco-tourism, National Tourism Policy of 2002 is relevant upto what extent in the current scenario, considering the advent of Forest Rights Act, 2006 and other challenges of population and pollution and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)

(a) and (b): The Ministry of Tourism under Swadesh Darshan Scheme provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations/Central Agencies for development of thematic tourist circuits in the country. Under the scheme fifteen thematic circuits have been identified for development, namely, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, North-East Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Desert Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Rural Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Tirthankar Circuit and Sufi Circuit.

The details of projects sanctioned under the scheme including the State of Maharashtra during the last three years including the current year are given at the Annexure.

(c) and (d): The Ministry has not carried out any study for evaluation of impact of eco-tourism activities on local communities.

(e): The National Tourism Policy 2002 emphasizes on development of eco-tourism in the country with focus on elimination of poverty & unemployment, creation of new skills, enhancement of status of women, preservation of cultural heritage, encouragement of tribal and local crafts, and improving overall environment. The Policy is still relevant as it rests upon the basic principles of sustainability.

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