Ecotourism To Be Developed Under The Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Ecotourism has been identified as one of the niche areas for development in the country by the Ministry of Tourism.

The ministry has recognised the immense potential of tourism in becoming a source of sustainable livelihoods and achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG).

It has accordingly formulated a draft national strategy and roadmap for sustainable tourism with a focus on ecotourism.

In order to make the document more comprehensive, the ministry has invited feedback/comments/suggestions on the draft national strategy and roadmap from identified central ministries, all the state governments/Union Territory (UT) administrations and industry stakeholders.

The ministry, under its Swadesh Darshan scheme, is developing theme-based tourism circuits in the country.

According to Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy, eco-circuit and wildlife circuit are among the 15 thematic circuits identified for development under the scheme.

The objective of the Swadesh Darshan scheme includes creating employment through active involvement of local communities and promoting community-based development and pro-poor tourism approach.

Submission of project proposals by the state governments/UT administrations under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a continuous process.

The projects for development under the scheme are identified in consultation with the state governments/UT administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilisation of funds released earlier.