Parliament Question: Development of Eco-Tourism and Coastal Circuit in Andhra Pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.151 ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-TOURISM AND COASTAL CIRCUIT IN ANDHRA PRADESH

151. DR. D. PURANDESWARI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

(a) whether the phenomenal execution of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme has successfully developed vibrant eco-tourism and coastal circuits across Andhra Pradesh, massively boosting the local economy;

(b) if so, the details of the total central financial assistance successfully utilized to develop pristine beaches, mangrove boardwalks and scenic viewpoints along the State's coastline during the last two years;

(c) whether these highly proactive infrastructure developments have exponentially increased domestic tourist footfalls, generating thousands of sustainable livelihoods for common coastal communities;

(d) the details of the strict environmental guidelines successfully enforced to ensure that this rapid tourism expansion does not degrade the fragile marine and forest ecology; and

(e) the details of future steps planned to establish world-class water sports and adventure tourism hubs along the Andhra Pradesh coast to attract premium international travellers and generate immense foreign exchange? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): Development and promotion of tourism destinations and products is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Governments (SGs)/Union Territory Administrations (UTAs).However, Ministry of Tourism through its schemes such as Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) – a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 etc.

complements these efforts of tourism infrastructure development; subject to receipt of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) from concerned SGs/UTAs, adherence to respective scheme guidelines, Government directions, availability of funds, inter-se priority etc., by extending financial assistance to SGs/UTAs. The details of the projects sanctioned under SD, SD2.0 and CBDD initiatives in the State of Andhra Pradesh is annexed.

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was initially designed for the integrated development of thematic tourism circuits. The revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 adopts a destination-centric approach with a focus on developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. The projects sanctioned under these schemes cover variety of destinations including beaches, coastal areas etc.

Obtaining all requisite statutory clearances, including those relating to environmental and forest regulations, from the concerned authorities is the responsibility of the concerned SGs/UTAs. The Ministry accords sanction to the projects/release funds only after the prior submission of such mandatory statutory clearances by the concerned SGs/UTAs.

Sanctioning of projects under the scheme is an ongoing process. Ministry regularly encourages State Governments/UT Administrations to engage with local communities and to ensure robust operation & management (O&M) of completed projects so as to increase footfall, generate local employment and enhance overall tourist satisfaction.

The details of the foreign tourist visits (FTV) and domestic tourist visits

(DTV) in the State of Andhra Pradesh in last three years is as under:

Year DTV FTV 2023 25,47,06,328 60,426 2024 28,73,34,995 1,76,916 2025 35,38,99,146 2,14,587

Source: Andhra Pradesh State Tourism ******ANNEXURE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (E) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.151 ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-TOURISM AND COASTAL CIRCUIT IN ANDHRA PRADESH RAISED BY DR.

D. PURANDESWARI

(i) Details of Project sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme in the

State of Andhra Pradesh: (in ₹Crore) S. Circuit / Name of the Project Sanctioned Amount Amount N. Sanction Amount Authorized Utilised Year

1. Coastal Developmentof Kakinada- 67.83 67.83 67.83 2014-15 HopeIsland -Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary - Passarlapudi-Aduru–S Yanam – Kotipally

2. Coastal Development of Nellore 49.55 49.55 49.55 2015-16 - Pulikat Lake - Ubblamadugu Water Falls – Nelapattu-Kothakoduru- Mypadu – Ramateertham – Iskapalli

3. Buddhist Developmentof 35.24 30.02 30.02 2017-18 BuddhistCircuit:Shalihund am-Bavikonda- Bojjanakonda Amravati- Anupu

(ii) Details of Project sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme in the

State of Andhra Pradesh: (in ₹Crore) S.N. Year of Destination Name of the Sanctioned Amount Sanction Experience Amount Authorized for utilization

1. 2024-25 Bapatala Development 97.52 48.76 ofSuryalanka Beach Experience

2. 2024-25 Araku- Borra Cave 29.88 14.94 Lambasingi Experience at Araku

(iii) Details of Project sanctioned under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme in the State of Andhra Pradesh: (in ₹Crore) S.N. Year of Name of the Category Sanctioned Amount Sanction Project Amount Authorized for utilization

1. 2024-25 Enriching NagarjunaSagar 25.00 12.50 Buddhist (Culture & Heritage and Heritage) Cultural Experiences at Nagarjuna Sagar

2. 2024-25 Development of Ahobilam 25.00 12.50 Abhobilam as a Temple Spiritual (Spiritual Odyssey Tourism) ******