Parliament Question: Development of Tourism in Madhya Pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†154 ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN MADHYA PRADESH †154. SHRI DARSHAN SINGH CHOUDHARY: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that there are vast tourism possibilities in the historical, religious and cultural heritage and local tribal art, handicrafts and folk culture in Madhya Pradesh, particularly Hoshangabad-Narsinghpur Lok Sabha Constituency; (b) whether any survey, plan or proposal has been prepared by the Government to develop the historical heritage, religious places and tribal cultural centres of the said area as an integrated tourist circuit; (c) whether the Government is implementing any special scheme to preserve, promote and link local tribal arts, handicrafts, folk music and folk dances with tourism to create employment opportunities for local youth and artisans; and (d) if so, the details of approved schemes, funds allocated and proposed works for said constituency and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (d): Development of tourism infrastructure, amenities and experiences at tourist destinations is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. However, the Ministry of Tourism, under its various schemes such as Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), provides financial assistance for the development of tourism infrastructure and experiences across the country, including heritage, cultural, spiritual, eco-tourism and tribal tourism destinations.The Ministry recognizes the tourism potential of historical, religious, cultural heritage and tribal art across the country, including in the State of Madhya Pradesh. Under aforementioned schemes, tourism infrastructure is developed in an inclusive, integrated and sustainable manner. The list of projects sanctioned under these schemes in the State of Madhya Pradesh is annexed. Proposals for financial assistance under the above-mentioned schemes are submitted by the concerned State Government/UT Administration. Such proposals are examined in accordance with the scheme guidelines, subject to fulfilment of the prescribed criteria, availability of funds and other applicable conditions. Further, during the financial year 2025-26, the Ministry launched the 'Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas' under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) as a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 to promote community-based tourism and sustainable livelihoods in tribal areas. Under the scheme, projects have been approved in five States/UTs, including Madhya Pradesh for the project “Development of Tribal Homestays in Karanjiya and Pushparajgarh clusters”, Madhya Pradesh, at a total Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of ₹5.00 crore. The Ministry's tourism infrastructure development schemes aims to promote tourism in a holistic and sustainable manner while preserving local culture, traditions and heritage. The interventions under the schemes seek to enhance visitor experiences, generate employment opportunities and strengthen local economies. At present, no proposal specific to the Hoshangabad–Narsinghpur Lok Sabha Constituency is under consideration in the Ministry. *****ANNEXURE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (D) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†154 ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN MADHYA PRADESH RAISED BY SHRI DARSHAN SINGH CHOUDHARY List of projects sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India under Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) schemes in the State of Madhya Pradesh: S.No. Name of the Project & Sanctioned Year Amount Sanctioned (in ₹ Crore) A Swadesh Darshan 1.0 I. Development of Wildlife Circuit at Panna- 92.10 Mukundpur- Sanjay- Dubri-Bandhavgarh- Kanha- Mukki- Pench (December 2015) II. Development of Sanchi-Satna-Rewa-Mandsaur- 74.02 Dhar (July 2016) III. Development of Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho – 89.82 Chanderi – Bhimbetka – Mandu (September 2016) IV. Development of Gandhisagar Dam- Mandleshwar 93.76 Dam- Omkareshwar Dam- Indira Sagar Dam- Tawa Dam- Bargi Dam- Bheda Ghat- Bansagar Dam- Ken River (September 2017) B Swadesh Darshan 2.0 I. Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot (March 2024) 27.22 II. Phoolbagh Experience Zone (February 2024) 16.74 III. Development of Pitambara Peeth Datia (July 44.24 2025) C Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) I. Orchha A Medieval Splendour 2.0 (March 2025) 25.00 II. Mandu-A Medieval Wonder (January 2026) 24.88 D Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) I. Development of Amarkantak (January 2021) 49.99 II. Development of Omkareshwar (June 2017, 43.93 revised December 2022) *****