Projects approved under Swadesh Darshan scheme
The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring
Committee (CSMC) for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Ministry of Tourism has
approved projects to the tune of Rs. 450 Crore for development of Heritage
circuit in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Ramayana Circuit in Uttar Pradesh,
North East Circuit in Sikkim and Coastal Circuit of Tamil Nadu.
Key facts:
The Heritage Circuit in state of Madhya
Pradesh:
It covers Gwalior- Orchha-
Khajuraho-Chanderi-Bhimbetka-Mandu with total project cost of approximately Rs.
100.00 Crore. The project envisages world class infrastructural development of
the sites which includes developing a Theme Park and Convention centre in
Khajuraho, Sound and Light Show in Mandu.
The Heritage Circuit in Uttarakhand:
It is on developing Tourism Infrastructure in
Jageshwar-Devidhura-Katarmal-Baijnath sites with total project cost of
approximately Rs.83 Crore. The highlights of project in Uttarakhand are
development of Eco Log Huts, Sound and Light Show and Upgradation of Temple
Pathways.
Coastal circuit in State of Tamil Nadu: It envisages development
Chennai- Mamamallapuram-Rameshwaram-Manpadu–Kanyakumari with total project cost
of approximately Rs.100 Crore has been approved. Sound and Light Show,
development of Beach amenities, Construction of Pedestrian Bridge connecting
Vivekanand memorial with Tiruvalluvar Statue are major highlights of project.
Ramayana Circuit in State of Uttar Pradesh: It envisages development of two
destinations viz. Chitrakoot and Shringverpur. The Project cost for this
circuit is approximately Rs.70 Crore for development of Parikrama marg, food
Plaza, Laser Show, Foot Over Bridge connecting MP and UP part of Chitrakoot. It
also includes Ayodhya for which the State Tourism Department of Uttar Pradesh
is preparing Detailed Project Report (DPR).
North East circuit in State of Sikkim: With approximate project cost
of Rs.95.50 Crore it includes development of eco log huts, cultural centre,
paragliding centre, craft bazaar, base camp for mountaineering and meditation
hall.
About Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
The Tourism Ministry had launched ‘Swadesh
Darshan’ scheme with an objective to develop theme-based tourist circuits in
the country. These tourist circuits will be developed on the principles of high
tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.
Features of Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
- The scheme is 100% centrally funded for the project components undertaken for public funding.
- To leverage the voluntary funding available for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector.
- Funding of individual project will vary from state to state and will be finalised on the basis of detailed project reports prepared by PMC (Programme Management Consultant).
- A National Steering Committee (NSC) will be constituted with Minister in charge of M/O Tourism as Chairman, to steer the mission objectives and vision of the scheme.
- A Mission Directorate headed by the Member Secretary, NSC as a nodal officer will help in identification of projects in consultation with the States/ UTs governments and other stake holders.
- PMC will be a national level consultant to be appointed by the Mission Directorate.
Objective of Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
- Integrated development of Infrastructure in identified theme based circuits.
- Provide complete tourism experience with varied thematic circuits.
- Follow community-based development and pro-poor tourism approach.
- Creating awareness among the local communities about the importance of tourism for them in terms of increase in sources of income, improved living standards and overall development of the area.
- Promote local arts, culture, handicrafts, cuisine, etc to generate livelihoods in the identified regions.
- Harness tourism potential for its direct and multiplier effects in employment generation and economic development.
