Question : Funds to Kanaka Durga Temple

(a) the details of the schemes for promotion of tourism in Andhra Pradesh;
(b) whether there has been an increase in tourism after launch of such schemes and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is any plan to disburse funds to the Kanaka Durga Temple under the PRASAD scheme in order to attract more pilgrims and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) whether the Government has identified any other places in Andhra Pradesh which can be developed as a world class tourist destination and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)
(a): Ministry of Tourism undertakes promotional activities in domestic and international markets through its schemes of ‘Domestic Promotion & Publicity including Hospitality (DPPH)’ and Overseas Promotion & Publicity Including Market Development Assistance (OPMD). Under these schemes, Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination under the Incredible India brand-line. As part of its on-going activities, the Ministry releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD and Assistance to Central Agencies provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations/Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country including Andhra Pradesh.

(b): The details of Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) and Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) in Andhra Pradesh for last 3 years are given below:
<pre>
Year Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs)
2016 15,31,63,354 3,41,764
2017 16,54,33,898 2,71,362
2018 (Revised) 19,47,67,874 2,81,083
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(c): Development of Pilgrimage Centres is the responsibility of respective State Governments/Union Territories. However, Ministry of Tourism, under the scheme “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) provides Central Financial Assistance for infrastructure development and beautification of Pilgrimage Centres on receipt of suitable DPRs submitted by State Governments/Union Territories, subject to availability of funds, liquidation of pending utilisation certificate against the fund released earlier and adherence to the relevant scheme guidelines. Identification of more destinations under these schemes is a continuous process, which is to be considered only on receipt of request from respective State Governments/UTs. The Ministry has sanctioned the following projects in Andhra Pradesh under the PRASHAD Scheme:
(Rupees in Crore)
<pre>
S. No. Year of Sanction Name of Project Project Cost
1. 2015-16 Development of Amaravati Town, Guntur District as a Tourist Destination 28.36
2. 2017-18 Development of Srisailam Temple in Andhra Pradesh under PRASHAD scheme 47.45
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(d): Ministry has sanctioned following projects in Andhra Pradesh under the Swadesh Darsan scheme:
(Rupees in Crore)
<pre>
S. No. Circuit/ Year of Sanction Name of Projects Project Cost
1. Coastal Circuit
(2014-15) Development of Kakinada - Hope Island - Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary - Passarlapudi - Aduru - SYanam - Kotipally. 67.84
2. Coastal Circuit
(2015-16) Development of Nellore - Pulikat Lake - Ubblamadugu Water Falls – Nelapattu- Kothakoduru- Mypadu - Ramateertham - Iskapalli 59.70
3. Buddhist Circuit
(2017-18) Development of Shalihundam-Thotlakonda- Bavikonda- Bojjanakonda- Amravati- Anupu 52.34
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