Question : Promotion of Eco-Tourism in Tamilnadu

(a) whether the Government has taken any steps to enhance eco-tourism in the country, especially in the State of Tamil Nadu;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the funds allocated and spent for promoting eco-tourism during the last three years;
(d) the details of the targets with respect to eco-tourism and the expected revenue generation in the next 10 years; and
(e) the details of financial assistance extended to the State of Tamil Nadu for eco-tourism, especially for Nilgiris, during the last three years?

MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) to (e): Eco-tourism has been identified as one of the Niche Tourism areas by Ministry of Tourism for development in the country, including Tamil Nadu.

Promotion and Development of tourism, including Eco Tourism, is the primary responsibility of the State Governments/UT Administrations. However, Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance under Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of tourism related infrastructure and facilities in the country. Recognizing the potential for the development of Eco tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has identified “Eco Circuit” as one of the 15 thematic circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The projects under the Swadesh Darshan 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. Submission of project proposals by the State Government and its sanctioning is a continuous process.

The details of the projects sanctioned under the Eco Circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme in the Country are given at Annexure.

No project proposal has been received by the Ministry of Tourism from State Government of Tamil Nadu for development under Eco Tourism.

Apart from the above, Ministry of Tourism has been laying stress on maintenance of environmental integrity, considering the importance of developing tourism in an ecologically sustainable manner. The Ministry of Tourism has evolved Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for major segments of the tourism industry, namely accommodation, tour operators, beaches, backwaters, lakes and river sectors, etc., applicable for the entire country, including Tamil Nadu. The Criteria has been evolved after consultations with the various stakeholders. Ministry of Tourism has made it mandatory for the approved tourism service providers such as tour operators, adventure tour operators, travel agents etc., to follow the Code of Conduct for safe and sustainable Tourism.

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