Question : Declaration of Kumarakom as Iconic Tourist Destination

(a) whether the Government has declared certain Tourist destinations including Kumarakom in Kerala as Iconic Tourist Destinations and if so, the details thereof with copy of the notification of tourism department;
(b) whether the Government has given directions to prepare detailed project report for Kumarakom Iconic Tourist Destination and if so, the details thereof with the name of the agency who has been assigned with the work;
(c) whether the Government has received the draft report of the Kumarakom Iconic Tourism Project and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has received any proposal to include Kottayam-Kumarakom-Cherthala Tourist Highway and the development of the canals in the project and if so, the details thereof;
(e) the expected total cost of the project; and
(f) whether the Government set apart any fund for the iconic tourism destinations and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) to (f): The Ministry of Tourism has framed “Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations Scheme”, for development of nineteen identified iconic destinations including Kumarakom (Kerala) in the country following a holistic approach. The scheme is under submission for approval of competent authority. No process has been initiated to prepare a detailed project report for Kumarakom as Iconic Tourist Destination. However a draft master plan has been prepared by the Ministry of Tourism for development of Kumarakom through the consortium of M/s INI Design Studio - Jones Lang Laselle Property Consultants India Pvt. Ltd and is under consultation with stakeholders.

As the scheme is not approved, no details regarding development projects and the funds sanctioned in this regard have been finalized. However, in the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) meeting held on 15.10.2020 an amount of Rs.5109 Crore for the period of Financial Year 2020-21 to 2025-26 has been recommended for development of 19 Iconic Tourist Destinations.

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