Parliament Question: Development of Tourism Infrastructure in Surguja

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5869 ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN SURGUJA 5869. SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has taken any initiatives to implement any schemes in collaboration with the State Government for the development of tourism infrastructure and promote the tourism potential in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh; (b) if so, the details thereof along with financial and technical assistance provided during the last five years; (c) the manner in which these initiatives are expected to boost tourism and generate employment opportunities for the local population; and (d) the details of steps proposed to further strengthen tourism facilities in the region? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (d): Development and promotion of tourism destinations and products is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Governments (SGs)/Union Territory Administrations (UTAs). However, the Ministry of Tourism through its schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’, ‘Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)’, ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)’ – a sub-scheme of SD2.0 and ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ complements the efforts of tourism infrastructure development by extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations; subject to adherence to scheme guidelines, submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), availability of funds, Government directions, inter-se priority etc.In addition, Government of India under its initiative for ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’ scheme, has also provided financial assistance to the States in the year 2024-25 for development of tourism projects. The details of projects sanctioned by the Ministry under SD, SD2.0, CBDD, PRASHAD and SASCI schemes in the state of Chhattisgarh are annexed. A range of components which may enhance tourism facilitation at the destinations are considered for sanctioning, as per project requirement including those related to tourism core products, tourism activities, safety, sanitation, connectivity, parking, general site development, soft interventions etc. The Ministry encourages State Governments/UT Administrations to engage with local communities and ensure robust operation & management (O&M) of completed projects so as to increase footfall, generate local employment and enhance overall tourist satisfaction. Further, Ministry of Tourism holistically promotes various tourism destinations and products of the country including those in Chhattisgarh through various promotional tools such as website, events, social media etc. ********ANNEXURE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5869 ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN SURGUJA RAISED BY SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ The details of the projects sanctioned under SD, SD2.0, CBDD, SASCI and PRASHAD in the state of Chhattisgarh: Scheme Name of the project Year of Sanction Sanction/ Amount Circuit (in ₹ Cr) SD Development of Jashpur- Kunkuri- Tribal Circuit 96.10 Mainpat- Kamleshpur - Maheshpur - 2015-16 Kurdar - Sarodhadadar- Gangrel- Kondagaon– Nathiyanawagaon- Jagdalpur- Chitrakoot- Tirthgarh Swadesh Bhoramdeo Corridor Development, 2024-25 145.99 Darshan Kawardha 2.0 CBDD Development of Mayali Bagicha as Eco 2024-25 9.97 Tourism Destination SASCI Development of Chitrotpala Film City in 2024-25 95.79 Raipur Development of Tribal & Cultural 2024-25 51.87 Convention Centre in Raipur PRASHAD Development of Maa Bamleshwari Devi 2020-21 48.44 Temple, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon District, Chhattisgarh ******