Parliament Question: Development of Nagarjuna Sagar under SDS 2.0 in Andhra Pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2730 ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026 DEVELOPMENT OF NAGARJUNA SAGAR UNDER SDS 2.0 IN ANDHRA PRADESH 2730. SHRI LAVU SRI KRISHNA DEVARAYALU: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) whether proposal of a project for the development of Nagarjuna Sagar as a world-class Buddhist tourism centre under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) 2.0 (Challenge-Based Destination Development component) has been submitted by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh to the Union Government; (b) if so, the approved outlay, current status of approvals and the stage of tendering of the project; (c) the details of works completed so far under the project, including foundation works and construction of stupa-related infrastructure and the percentage of physical and financial progress achieved; (d) the timeline for completion of the remaining works under the project; and (e) the details of the expected tourism, employment and local economic benefits on completion of the Nagarjuna Sagar destination under the said Scheme 2.0? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (e): Yes, the Ministry of Tourism has already sanctioned the project ‘Enriching Buddhist Heritage and Cultural Experiences at Nagarjuna Sagar’ under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) an initiative ofSwadesh Darshan scheme in 2024-25 for Rs.25.00 Crore in the State of Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (APTDCL), the State Implementing Agency, has informed that it has selected the contractor through a competitive tendering process and financial progress of 5% and physical progress of 19.22 % is reported. As per sanction order of the project, the State Government has been advised to develop and complete the project by 31.03.2026. APTDCL has further informed that the project aims to create new tourism attraction at Nagarjuna Sagar and improve overall tourism experience at the destination. It has further been communicated that at present the destination receives around 6-7 lakh visitors annually which after completion of project is expected to increase to around 9-10 Lakh visitors in the initial years and further grow to around 12-15 Lakh visitors over the next few years. Further, it has been stated that the project is expected to create around 100-150 direct jobs in tourism services and facility management along with about 300-350 indirect employment opportunities, thereby benefiting the local population. *****