Executive Summary:
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3516, the Ministry of Tourism addressed the development of a tourism circuit in Andhra Pradesh under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. The project, sanctioned in 2014-15 for ₹67.83 crore, focused on developing the Kakinada-Hope Island circuit. The project has been reported as physically completed and the entire amount has been utilized.
Key Points / Main Content:
Project Overview:
* Project Title: Development of Kakinada Hope Island Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Passarlapudi Aduru S. Yanam Kotipally.
* Scheme: Swadesh Darshan Scheme (Coastal Circuit theme).
* Sanction Year: 2014-15.
* Sanctioned Amount: ₹67.83 crore.
* Implementing Agency: Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.
* Status: Physically completed, funds fully utilized.
Development Works:
* Construction and upgradation of approach roads and parking facilities.
* Development of beachfront areas with amenities like landscaping, pathways, illumination, and gazebos.
* Establishment of tourist facilitation infrastructure, including Multi-Cuisine Food Courts with Souvenir Shops and waiting lounges.
Community and Capacity Building:
* The Ministry of Tourism conducts hospitality and tourism-related training courses under the Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) scheme.
* Training outcomes include placements, self-employment, entrepreneurship, and further education.
* The Ministry of Tourism promotes tourism destinations through events, fairs, festivals, exhibitions, websites, and social media.
Sustainable Tourism:
* The Swadesh Darshan scheme has been revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations.
Future Plans:
* Currently, no proposal for expansion and reintegration of this circuit is under consideration.
Impact Analysis:
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation:
* Impact: Successfully implemented and completed the project within the allocated budget.
* Action Required: No further action required as the project is completed.
Local Communities and Tourism Stakeholders:
* Impact: Potential for improved tourism infrastructure, increased visitor footfall, and economic opportunities through tourism-related activities. Access to training programs for skill development.
* Action Required: Engage with tourism initiatives, participate in training programs, and leverage opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Ministry of Tourism:
* Impact: Successful completion of a project under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
* Action Required: Continue to monitor the impact of the project, promote the destination through various channels, and consider future proposals for tourism development in the region.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tourism: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and policies relating to the development and promotion of tourism in India.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: A scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to develop theme-based tourism circuits in the country.
SHRI G M HARISH BALAYOGI: Member of Parliament who raised question in LOK SABHA
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh: A city in Andhra Pradesh, India, part of the identified tourism circuit.
Hope Island, Andhra Pradesh: An island in Andhra Pradesh, India, part of the identified tourism circuit.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh: A wildlife sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, India, part of the identified tourism circuit, and an ecologically sensitive area.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation: The implementing agency for the tourism development project in Andhra Pradesh.
Capacity Building for Service Providers CBSP scheme: A scheme by the Ministry of Tourism to conduct hospitality and tourism related short term training courses.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3516
ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025
DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM CIRCUIT UNDER SDS
3516. SHRI G M HARISH BALAYOGI:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether the tourism circuit comprising Kakinada, Hope Island,
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Passarlapudi, Aduru, S. Yanam and
Kotipally has been identified under the Swadesh Darshan scheme;
(b) if so, the details of the projects sanctioned under this circuit,
including development works undertaken, components sanctioned,
timelines, names of implementing agencies and current status of the
work;
(c) the details of total funds allocated, released and utilized for this
project since inception, year-wise;
(d) the details of the measures undertaken to ensure community
participation, promote local handicrafts, culture and cuisine as part
of the tourism development plan;
(e) the details of the steps taken to ensure sustainable tourism and
ecological safeguards, particularly in and around ecologically
sensitive areas like Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and Hope Island;
(f) the details of the steps taken/being taken to support capacity-
building or employment generation programmes for local youth and
tourism stakeholders in the region; and
(g) whether the Government plans to expand, integrate or further
promote this tourism circuit, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (g): The project titled “Development of Kakinada – Hope Island –
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary – Passarlapudi– Aduru– S. Yanam– Kotipally”
was identified and sanctioned under the Coastal Circuit theme of theSwadesh Darshan Scheme in the year 2014-15 with a total sanctioned
amount of ₹67.83 crore. The project has been reported as physically
completed, and the entire sanctioned amount has been released and fully
utilized by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, being
Implementing Agency of the project.
The project comprised a comprehensive set of tourism infrastructure
development works across the identified locations with the objective of
enhancing connectivity, visitor experience, and sustainable tourism
potential. The components sanctioned under the project, inter alia,
included construction and upgradation of approach roads, and parking
facilities; development of beachfront areas with essential amenities such
as landscaping, pathways, illumination, and gazebos; establishment of
tourist facilitation infrastructure including Multi-Cuisine Food Courts with
Souvenir Shop, waiting lounges, etc.
In addition, Ministry of Tourism conducts hospitality and tourism
related short-term training courses under its “Capacity Building for Service
Providers (CBSP)” scheme through Government and empanelled private
institutes catering to candidates from diverse group including youths and
tourism stakeholders in the country. The outcome of these trainings
includes placements, self-employment, and entrepreneurship, in addition
to many trainees opting for higher studies such as diploma and degree
courses.
Ministry of Tourism as part of its ongoing endeavour, promotes
various tourism destinations and products of India in a holistic manner,
through various initiatives including promotional events, assistance to
State Governments for organising fairs and festivals, participation in
exhibitions, websites, social media, etc.
Ministry of Tourism revamped the circuit-based Swadesh Darshan
scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 with the objective to develop sustainable
and responsible tourism destinations in the country through a destination
& tourist-centric approach. Sanctioning of project is a continuous process.
Currently, no proposal for expansion and re-integration of this circuit is
under consideration in the Ministry of Tourism.
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