India Enhances Tourism with Swadesh Darshan Initiatives
The Indian government is ramping up efforts to boost tourism across the country through its ongoing Swadesh Darshan scheme. Since its launch in 2014-15, the Ministry of Tourism has approved 76 projects, amounting to ₹5,290.33 crore, focusing on thematic circuits, including the Krishna Circuit. Now, with the initiative’s revitalization into Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the ministry is set to enhance sustainable tourism by sanctioning 53 new projects worth ₹2,208.31 crore.
In a written statement to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, provided updates on how these initiatives are supporting the development of tourism infrastructure across India, including the state of Gujarat.
Revitalizing Tourism Infrastructure
The Swadesh Darshan scheme aims to not only promote tourism but also create robust infrastructure to support it. Under its initial phase, the Krishna Circuit saw significant investments that have now been physically completed. These projects are designed to enhance the experience for tourists visiting areas steeped in history and culture, particularly locations linked to the Mahabharata.
Details of the Krishna Circuit Projects
Notably, the Krishna Circuit has been bolstered by projects in Haryana and Rajasthan, which together received substantial funding:
| S. No. | State/UT | Circuit / Sanction Year | Name of the Project | Amount Sanctioned (₹ Cr.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haryana | Krishna Circuit 2016-17 | Development of Tourism Infrastructures at places related to Mahabharata in Kurukshetra | 77.39 |
| 2 | Rajasthan | Krishna Circuit 2016-17 | Development of Govind Dev Ji temple (Jaipur), Khatu Shyam Ji (Sikar), and Nathdwara (Rajsamand) | 75.80 |
Future Projects and Initiatives
In addition to the Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the Ministry of Tourism has also approved 38 projects under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) initiative, with a total allocation of ₹697.94 crore. This broader strategy aims to revamp the tourism landscape across the nation, ensuring that each region capitalizes on its unique cultural and historical attributes.
With these developments, the government aims to significantly enhance the tourism ecosystem, catering to both domestic and international travelers, and ultimately driving economic growth in local communities across India.
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