**Executive Summary**
This document is the Ministry of Tourism's answer to Unstarred Question No. 393, answered on February 2, 2026, regarding the development and promotion of tourist destinations in Nashik. It states that tourism development is primarily undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration, supplemented by Central Sector Schemes. The Ministry has sanctioned two projects in Nashik and encourages State Governments/UT Administrations to complete projects in a timely manner.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Tourism Development Responsibility:**
* The development and promotion of tourist destinations and tourism products is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration.
* **Ministry of Tourism's Role:**
* The Ministry of Tourism supports State/UT efforts through ongoing Central Sector Schemes, including "Swadesh Darshan (SD)," "Swadesh Darshan (SD2.0)," "Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)," "Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)," and "Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)."
* Promotes destinations, including Nashik, through official website, digital and social media platforms, and participation in fairs and festivals.
* **Sanctioned Projects in Nashik:**
* The Ministry has sanctioned two tourism infrastructure development projects in Nashik, Maharashtra:
* Development of Trimbakeshwar, Nashik under PRASHAD: ₹45.41 Crore
* Development of RAM-KAL PATH in Nashik under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme: ₹99.14 Crore
* **Project Monitoring & Completion:**
* The Ministry of Tourism regularly monitors the progress of sanctioned projects.
* The Ministry encourages State Government/UT Administrations to complete projects in a time-bound manner.
* **Tourism Approach:**
* The Ministry emphasizes community-based and responsible tourism, including local community involvement.
* The aim is to ensure sustainability and enhanced livelihood opportunities.
* **Capacity Building:**
* The Ministry has the Scheme of the Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) for training, skill upgradation, and certification.
* **Sustainability of Projects:**
* States/UTs are required to ensure sustainable operation and maintenance of completed projects.
* Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) are explored to ensure the long-term sustainability of facilities.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: State Government/UT Administration (Maharashtra)**
* **Impact:** Primarily responsible for tourism development and promotion in Nashik.
* **Action Required:** Complete sanctioned projects in a time-bound manner, ensure sustainable operation and maintenance of completed projects, and consider Public-Private Partnerships.
**Stakeholder: Local Communities in Nashik**
* **Impact:** Will benefit from community-based and responsible tourism initiatives.
* **Action Required:** Participate in tourism development initiatives.
**Stakeholder: Tourism Service Providers in Maharashtra**
* **Impact:** Opportunity for skill upgradation and certification through the Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) scheme.
* **Action Required:** Participate in training programs under the CBSP scheme to enhance service quality.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tourism: The central ministry responsible for tourism development in India, including the implementation of various schemes and initiatives.
Swadesh Darshan (SD): A Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism for integrated development of theme based tourist circuits in the country.
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD): A scheme supplementing efforts of states/UTs by providing financial assistance for the development of tourism infrastructure.
Nashik: A city and district in Maharashtra, India, targeted for tourism development initiatives as per the parliamentary question.
Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI): A scheme by the Ministry of Tourism aimed at providing states with financial assistance for capital investment in tourism.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.393
ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026
DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF TOURIST
DESTINATIONS IN NASHIK
393. SHRI RAJABHAU PARAG PRAKASH WAJE:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) the details of specific initiatives undertaken by the Government for
the comprehensive development and promotion of Nashik as a
tourist destination, including improvements in infrastructure,
innovative branding and digital marketing to attract both domestic
and international tourists;
(b) the details of financial allocations and timelines for completion of
key tourism infrastructure projects in Nashik, such as the
development of religious circuits, promotion of vineyards and
enhancement of visitor amenities;
(c) the details of the steps taken/being taken to ensure community
participation, sustainability and year-round tourism beyond
pilgrimage seasons; and
(d) the details of the plans of the Government for supporting Nashik’s
tourism sector through new partnerships, skill development and
global-scale events to boost long-term growth and employment in the
local tourism industry?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (d): The development and promotion of tourist destinations and
tourism products is primarily undertaken by the respective State
Government/ Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism,
through its ongoing Central Sector Schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’,‘Swadesh Darshan (SD2.0)’, ‘Challenge Based Destination Development
(CBDD)’ a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, ‘Special
Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)’, ‘Pilgrimage
Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’
supplements the efforts of the States/UTs by providing financial
assistance for the development of tourism related infrastructure in
consultation with the concerned State Governments/UT Administrations.
As part of its ongoing promotional efforts, the Ministry of Tourism
promotes various destinations and tourism products of the country,
including Nashik, through its official website, digital and social media
platforms, participation in fairs and festivals, and other promotional
activities aimed at domestic and international markets.
The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 2 projects for tourism
infrastructure development in Nashik (Maharashtra), the details of which
is given below:
Name of Scheme Name of the project Sanctioned cost
(₹ in Crore)
PRASHAD Development of 45.41
Trimbakeshwar, Nashik
Special Assistance to Development of RAM-KAL 99.14
States for Capital PATH in Nashik
Investment (SASCI
Scheme)
The Ministry of Tourism regularly monitors the progress of
sanctioned projects and also encourages respective State Government/
UT Administrations to complete the projects in a time bound manner.
The Ministry under these schemes emphasises community-based
and responsible tourism, including the involvement of local communities
with a view to ensuring sustainability and enhanced livelihood
opportunities at the respective destinations.The Ministry of Tourism has put in place the Scheme of the Capacity
Building for Service Providers (CBSP) to provide training, skill upgradation
and certification to tourism service providers across the country, including
in Maharashtra. The training programmes are conducted through
Central/State Governments and empanelled institutions from time to time
including destinations and projects sanctioned under the aforementioned
tourism infrastructure development schemes with the objective of skill
development, enhancing service quality, promoting local employment and
supporting sustainable tourism development.
Further, the States/UTs are required to ensure the sustainable
operation and maintenance of completed projects. Wherever required,
Public–Private Partnership (PPP) are explored to ensure the long-term
sustainability of the facilities created under the aforementioned Schemes.
*******