India’s Wildlife Tourism Boosted by National Strategy Initiatives
The Ministry of Tourism is taking significant steps to promote wildlife tourism across India, focusing on natural beauty and biodiversity. Recent initiatives aim to enhance eco-tourism in forest regions, notably in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. This promotion is not only through grassroots activities but also through an active online presence on the Ministry’s website and social media channels.
To further bolster wildlife tourism, the Ministry has introduced a National Strategy for Development of Ecotourism, which has been shared with state governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations. This comprehensive strategy aims to provide a structured approach for developing eco-friendly tourist attractions in the country.
Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has earmarked specific thematic circuits, including Wildlife and Eco Circuits, for development. These circuits encompass numerous National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Reserves. Financial assistance is provided based on proposed project reports submitted by state and UT governments, ensuring that resources are directed towards well-planned initiatives.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighted these efforts in a recent address to the Lok Sabha, sharing vital statistics on the projects currently being funded under the Eco and Wildlife Circuits of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
List of Funded Projects
The Ministry has sanctioned several projects aimed at enhancing eco-tourism across different states. The following are notable examples from the Eco Circuit:
- Jharkhand: Development of the Eco Tourism circuit spanning Dalma, Betla National Park, and surrounding areas, with a funding of ₹30.44 Crores.
- Kerala: The Pathanamthitta-Gavi-Vagamon-Thekkady circuit is set to receive ₹64.08 Crores for its development.
- Madhya Pradesh: A significant ₹93.76 Crores has been allocated for the Gandhisagar and Omkareshwar Dams, among others.
- Mizoram: An Eco-Adventure circuit has been proposed for Aizawl and nearby locations, backed by ₹66.37 Crores.
- Telangana: The Eco Tourism Circuit in Mahaboobnagar district will be funded with ₹91.62 Crores.
- Uttarakhand: A project for integrated eco-tourism development, especially around Tehri Lake, has been granted ₹69.17 Crores.
In addition to eco-circuits, wildlife tourism has also seen significant financial support, with projects including:
- Assam: The Wildlife Circuit covering Manas, Nameri, Kaziranga, and Dibru is receiving ₹94.68 Crores.
- Madhya Pradesh: Funding of ₹92.10 Crores has been designated for the wildlife circuit at Panna and Bandhavgarh.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to enhance India’s ecotourism potential, promoting conservation while also aiming to boost local economies through sustainable travel. As these projects come to fruition, India’s rich biodiversity stands to attract nature enthusiasts from across the globe.
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