Centre Allocates ₹2,856 Cr for Tourism Development; No Projects Approved for J&K

Ziraat Times News Desk

New Delhi, Dec 8: The Union Tourism Ministry has sanctioned tourism development projects worth ₹2,856 crore under the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) and its sub-scheme Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) for 2023–26. However, no project has been sanctioned for Jammu & Kashmir, while Ladakh has secured three projects under the two schemes.

The details were provided in a written reply to the Lok Sabha by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Tourism Development Left to States, Says Centre

The Ministry noted that tourism development remains primarily the responsibility of states and UTs, with the Centre providing financial support only on the basis of proposals received and depending on scheme guidelines and availability of funds.

The revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 aims to promote sustainable, responsible, and experience-based tourism, with a focus on eco, cultural and lesser-known destinations. The scheme has a Budget Estimate of ₹1,900 crore for 2025–26.

J&K Missing From Project List

The official annexure shows no sanctioned projects for Jammu & Kashmir under either SD 2.0 or CBDD, despite the region being one of India’s top tourism destinations. This omission stands out as neighbouring Ladakh has received multiple allocations.

Ladakh Gets Three Projects

Ladakh has been sanctioned:

1. Julley Leh Biodiversity Park, Leh — ₹23.17 crore

2. Exploring LoC and Hunderman Village Experience, Kargil — ₹11.91 crore

3. Mushkoh Sustainable Tourism Hub (CBDD) — ₹9.82 crore

These projects fall under eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation and frontier tourism.

2208 Crore Cleared Under SD 2.0

A total of ₹2,208.27 crore has been sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 across 29 states and UTs, covering destinations ranging from:

• Bodh Gaya, Bihar – ₹165.44 crore

• Bhoramdeo Corridor, Chhattisgarh – ₹145.99 crore

• Daman Convention Centre – ₹147.13 crore

• Alappuzha Water Wonderland, Kerala – ₹93.18 crore

• Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, Rajasthan – ₹87.87 crore

• Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep – ₹81.18 crore

648 Crore Approved Under CBDD

Under the CBDD sub-scheme, 36 projects worth ₹648.11 crore have been cleared, including major spiritual, eco-tourism and heritage destinations.

Notable approvals include:

• Rameswaram Transformation, Tamil Nadu — ₹20.01 crore

• Ahmednagar Fort Development, Maharashtra — ₹25 crore

• Thalassery Spiritual Circuit, Kerala — ₹25 crore

• Hussainiwala Heritage Stretch, Punjab — ₹25 crore

• Orchha Splendour 2.0, Madhya Pradesh — ₹25 crore

Capacity-Building Support Continues

The Ministry has also earmarked ₹25 crore this year for Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP), aimed at training youth, artisans, and local communities through state-run hotel management institutes.