Synopsis
The Central Government has approved Rs 3,295.76 crore for 40 projects in 23 states aimed at enhancing iconic tourist destinations, as announced by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a Lok Sabha address.Key Takeaways
- Rs 3,295.76 crore allocated for 40 projects.
- Focus on developing iconic tourist destinations.
- Operational guidelines issued for state project proposals.
- Periodic review mechanism for project progress.
- Promotion of lesser-known destinations globally.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Central Government has, through its ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), approved 40 projects in 23 states amounting to Rs 3,295.76 crore during the current financial year aimed at the comprehensive development of iconic tourist destinations across the nation, effectively branding and marketing them on a global scale, as shared by the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The Ministry of Tourism has issued operational guidelines to all states for the submission of project proposals. Following the receipt of proposals from state governments, the Centre evaluated them based on criteria such as connectivity to the site, the tourism ecosystem, carrying capacity, sustainability measures, sustainable operation and management, project impact, value created, and tourism marketing plans, the minister detailed in a written response presented in the Lower House.
While the execution of projects sanctioned under the SASCI scheme is managed by state agencies, the Ministry of Tourism has also established a mechanism to periodically review the progress of the approved projects, ensuring smooth implementation, the minister noted.
The Ministry actively promotes various tourist destinations and products in the nation, including lesser-known spots, in both domestic and international markets through diverse promotional efforts such as websites, social media marketing, participation in events, and support for state governments in organizing fairs and festivals, the minister further elaborated.
Among the approved proposals is an allocation of Rs 77.91 crore to Andhra Pradesh for enhancing the Gandikota Fort and Gorge Experience. Another project worth Rs 94.44 crore for Akhanda Godavari (Havelock Bridge and Pushkar Ghat) at Rajamahendravaram has also been approved.
Additionally, a project worth Rs 46.48 crore for Siang Adventure and Eco-Retreat in Pasighat, Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati (worth Rs 97.12 crore), and beautification of Rang Ghar in Sivasagar (worth Rs 94.76 crore) have received approval.
Two projects have been greenlit for Goa, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Ponda (worth Rs 97.46 crore) and the proposed Townsquare in Povorim for Rs 90.74 crore.
In Bihar, two projects have been cleared which are the development of Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa (worth Rs 97.61 crore) and the Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub (worth Rs 49.51 crore), according to the ministry.
