Parliament Question: Implementation of SDS 2.0

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.82 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025 IMPLEMENTATION OF SDS 2.0

82. SHRI SASIKANTH SENTHIL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the tourism projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) 2.0 across the country, with a specific focus on Tamil Nadu, including the amount of funds allocated, released, and utilised during the period 2023-25;

(b) whether any tourism destinations or businesses have been certified under Travel for Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) initiative across the country, including Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any environmental impact or carbon footprint assessments have been undertaken for the projects under the SDS 2.0, particularly in Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the manner in which the infrastructure developed under the Smart Cities Mission has been leveraged or integrated into tourism development projects under the said Scheme along with the details thereof particularly from cities in Tamil Nadu; and

(e) whether the Government has evaluated the impact of these projects on local communities, heritage conservation, livelihood generation, with reference to Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (e): The Ministry of Tourism through its central sector scheme of ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’ complements the efforts of tourism infrastructure development in the country by extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations. The Ministry of Tourism has now revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable destinations. Details of the projects sanctioned under SD2.0 scheme in the country including Tamil Nadu covering details of funds sanctioned, authorized/ utilized is Annexed.The projects under SD 2.0 scheme are identified based on the project proposals submitted by the concerned State Governments, its examination on the prescribed parameters and as per the institutional framework detailed in the scheme guidelines. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is also formulated by the concerned State Government. The Ministry of Tourism emphasizes the State Governments/UT Administrations to prioritize community/stakeholder consultation, carrying capacity, sustainable practices, barrier free access, clean energy sources, use of locally available material for construction and procure eco-friendly transport options for last- mile connectivity etc. while formulating the DPRs under SD2.0. In addition, emphasis is placed on the inclusion of sustainable operation and maintenance plans and direct job creation etc.

As informed by the State Government of Tamil Nadu, the Smart Cities Mission in Tamil Nadu - integrates tourism in several ways, focusing on heritage conservation, improved tourist amenities, and leveraging technology to enhance the visitor experience. Several smart city projects in Tamil Nadu, like those in Thanjavur and Madurai, explicitly incorporate tourism-related initiatives.

Smart city projects in Thanjavur and Madurai involve the conservation and restoration of historical monuments and buildings, as well as the development of tourist plazas and improved access to heritage sites.

Thanjavur: Smart city projects include the renovation of Sivagangai Park, conservation of Sivagangai Kulam, all aimed at enhancing the city's heritage and tourist experience.

Madurai: The Madurai Smart City project includes a dedicated tourist amenities project and a heritage development project, focusing on enhancing the visitor experience at iconic landmarks.

Travel for Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE): Sensitisation on sustainability aspects in accommodation units is an ongoing process and certification is done as part of Travel for lifestyle for environment initiative.

*****ANNEXURE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.82 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025 REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF SDS 2.0 RAISED BY SHRI SASIKANTH SENTHIL List of sanctioned projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0:- S State Year of Destination Name of the Sanctioned Amount No Sancti Experience Cost Authorised . on (in ₹ Crore) (in ₹ Crore) 1 Andhra 2024-25 Bapatala Development of 97.52 9.75 Pradesh Suryalanka Beach Experience 2 Andhra 2023-24 Araku- Borra Cave 29.87 2.99 Pradesh Lambasingi Experience at Araku 3 Arunachal 2023- Nacho Unlock Nacho 14.02 1.40 Pradesh 24 Expedition 4 Arunachal 2023- Mechuka Mechuka 18.48 1.85 Pradesh 24 Cultural Haat 5 Arunachal 2023- Mechuka Mechuka 12.75 1.28 Pradesh 24 Adventure Park 6 Assam 2023- Kokrajhar Kokrajhar 26.67 2.66 24 Wetland Experience 7 Assam 2023- Jorhat Reimagining 23.88 2.38 24 Cinnamara Tea Estate 8 Bihar 2024- Bodh Gaya Development of 165.44 16.54 25 the Buddhist Meditation & Experience Centre, Bodh Gaya 9 Chhattisgarh 2024- Kawardha Bhoramdeo 145.99 14.59 25 Corridor Development, Kabirdham District 10 Dadra 2024- Daman Daman 147.13 CRZ Nagar & 25 Convention clearance Haveli and Centre requiredDaman & Diu 11 Goa 2023- Porvorim Porvorim Creek 24.07 2.40 24 Experience 12 Goa 2023- Colva Colva Beach 19.98 1.99 24 Experience 13 Haryana 2024- Panchkula Development of 26.68 2.68 25 Adventure Tourism Hub at Tikkar Taal and Adventure Park 14 Haryana 2024- Panchkula Rejuvenation of 65.82 6.58 25 Yadavindra Garden 15 Himachal 2024- Maa Development of 56.26 5.62 Pradesh* 25 Chintpurni Maa Chintpurni Temple Devi Temple, (District – Una Una) 16 Karnataka 2023- Hampi Setting up of 25.63 2.56 24 ‘Traveller nooks’ 17 Karnataka 2023- Mysuru Tonga ride 2.71 0.27 24 Heritage experience zone 18 Karnataka 2023- Mysuru Ecological 18.48 1.84 24 Experience Zone 19 Kerala 2023- Kumarakom Kumarakom 13.92 1.39 24 Bird Sanctuary Experience 20 Kerala 2024- Alappuzha Alappuzha: A 93.17 9.31 25 Global Water Wonderland 21 Kerala 2024- Malampuzha Enhancement 75.87 7.58 25 of Tourist Experience at Malampuzha Garden and Leisure Park 22 Ladakh 2023- Leh Julley Leh 23.16 2.31 24 Biodiversity Park23 Ladakh 2023- Kargil Exploring LOC 11.91 1.19 24 and Hundarman village Experience 24 Lakshadwe 2024- Bangaram Enhancement 81.18 8.11 ep 25 of Tourist Experience at Bangaram 25 Madhya 2023- Gwalior Phoolbagh 16.73 1.67 Pradesh 24 Experience Zone 26 Madhya 2023- Chitrakoot Spiritual 27.21 2.72 Pradesh 24 experience at Chitrakoot 27 Madhya 2024- Pitambara Development of 44.24 0.00 Pradesh* 25 Peeth, Datia Pitambara Peeth Datia 28 Maharashtr 2023- Pune Shivsrushti 76.22 7.62 a 24 Historical Theme Park- Phase 3 29 Meghalaya 2023- Sohra Waterfall Trails 27.84 0.00 24 Experience 30 Meghalaya 2023- Sohra Meghalayan 32.45 3.24 24 Age Cave Experience 31 Mizoram 2024- Champhai Eco Resort 38.85 3.88 25 Experience at Keilungliah, Zote, Ngur & Mualbuhvum, Champhai 32 Mizoram 2024- Champhai Heritage and 33.87 3.38 25 Cultural Centre, Champhai 33 Nagaland 2023- Chumoukedi Eco-Tourism 7.87 0.78 24 ma Exp at Chumoukedima viewpoint 34 Nagaland 2023- Chumuoukedi Tribal Cultural 21.56 2.15 24 ma Experience at Midway Retreat 35 Nagaland 2024- Chumuoukedi Adventure 32.54 3.25 25 ma TourismExperience at Jacob Village, Chumoukediem a 36 Puducherry 2023- Karaikal Karaikal beach 20.29 0.00 24 and waterfront experience 37 Punjab 2023- Kapurthala Eco Tourism 20.06 0.00 24 experience at Kanjli wetland 38 Punjab 2023- Amritsar Border Tourism 25.90 2.59 24 Experience at Attari 39 Rajasthan 2023- Bundi Spiritual 21.65 2.65 24 Experience, Keshavraipata n 40 Rajasthan 2024- Sikar Development 87.87 0.00 25 works at Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple (Sikar) 41 Rajasthan* 2024- Karni Mata Development 22.57 0.00 25 temple, Works at Shri Bikaner dist. Karni mata mandir, Bikaner 42 Rajasthan* 2024- Malaseri Development of 48.73 0.00 25 Dungari Malaseri (District – Dungri, Bhilwara) Bhilwara District 43 Sikkim 2023- Gyalshing Eco-Wellness 15.40 1.54 24 Experience at Yuksom Cluster 44 Sikkim 2023- Gangtok Gangtok 22.59 2.25 24 Cultural Village 45 Tamil Nadu 2023- Mamallapuram Immersive 30.02 0.00 24 experience at Shore Temple 46 Telangana 2023- Bhongir Bhongir Fort 56.81 5.68 24 Experiential Zone 47 Telangana 2023- Ananathagiri Eco tourism 38.00 3.80 24 zone atAnanathgiri forest 48 Tripura 2024- Agartala Tripura 48.94 4.89 25 Heritage Village & Sangeet Experience at Agartala (Phase-1 &2) 49 Uttar 2023- Prayagraj Azad Park and 14.52 1.45 Pradesh 24 Dekho Prayagraj Trail Exp 50 Uttar 2023- Naimisaranya Vedic- wellness 17.80 1.78 Pradesh 24 Experience 51 Uttarakhand 2023- Pithoragarh Rural Tourism 17.86 1.78 24 Cluster Experience at Gunji 52 Uttarakhand 2023- Champawat Tea Garden 19.89 1.98 24 Experience TOTAL AMOUNT 2108.87 166.35 *****