Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Tourism is implementing the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS 2.0) to develop sustainable tourism destinations by providing financial assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations. The scheme emphasizes community involvement, sustainability, and infrastructure development, leveraging initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission and Travel for LIFE. Projects are identified based on proposals from State Governments, with the Ministry prioritizing sustainable practices.
Key Points / Main Content:
Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 (SDS 2.0):
* Objective: To develop sustainable tourism destinations across the country.
* Implementation: Through financial assistance from the Ministry of Tourism to State Governments/UT Administrations.
* Project Identification: Based on project proposals submitted by State Governments, examined according to prescribed parameters and scheme guidelines.
* Detailed Project Reports (DPRs): Formulated by the concerned State Government.
* Sustainability Focus: Emphasizes community consultation, carrying capacity, sustainable practices, barrier-free access, clean energy, local materials, and eco-friendly transport.
* Operation and Maintenance: Focus on sustainable operation and maintenance plans and direct job creation.
Integration with Smart Cities Mission:
* Leveraging Infrastructure: Integrating infrastructure developed under the Smart Cities Mission into tourism projects.
* Tamil Nadu Examples: Smart city projects in Thanjavur and Madurai incorporate tourism-related initiatives, focusing on heritage conservation and improved amenities.
* Specific Projects:
* Thanjavur: Renovation of Sivagangai Park, conservation of Sivagangai Kulam.
* Madurai: Tourist amenities and heritage development projects.
Travel for LIFE Initiative:
* Sustainability Sensitization: Ongoing process of sensitizing accommodation units on sustainability.
* Certification: Certification is done as part of the Travel for lifestyle for environment initiative.
Project Details:
* A total of 52 projects have been sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 across various states.
* The total sanctioned amount for all projects is ₹2108.87 Crore, with ₹166.35 Crore authorized.
Impact Analysis:
State Governments/UT Administrations:
* Impact: Receive financial assistance for tourism infrastructure development; responsible for proposing and executing sustainable tourism projects.
* Action Required: Submit project proposals adhering to SDS 2.0 guidelines, formulate detailed project reports (DPRs) emphasizing sustainability, community involvement, and integration with initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission.
Local Communities:
* Impact: Potential for improved livelihoods, heritage conservation, and community development through tourism projects.
* Action Required: Engage in consultations during project planning, participate in tourism-related activities, and contribute to the sustainable operation of tourism infrastructure.
Tourism Businesses:
* Impact: Opportunities for growth through Travel for LIFE certification and participation in sustainable tourism initiatives.
* Action Required: Adopt sustainable practices, seek Travel for LIFE certification, and align business operations with SDS 2.0 objectives.
Key Entities Referenced
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: A central sector scheme by the Ministry of Tourism to develop tourism infrastructure in India.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0: A revamped version of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme with the objective to develop sustainable destinations.
Tamil Nadu: A state in India, specifically focused on in the policy document regarding tourism projects.
Travel for Lifestyle for Environment LIFE: An initiative focused on certifying tourism destinations and businesses based on sustainability aspects.
SHRI SASIKANTH SENTHIL: The member of parliament who raised the question about the Implementation of SDS 2.0
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Tourism who answered the question about the Implementation of SDS 2.0
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu: A city in Tamil Nadu where Smart City projects include renovation and conservation efforts to enhance heritage and tourism.
Madurai, Tamil Nadu: A city in Tamil Nadu where the Smart City project focuses on tourism amenities and heritage development.
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
*****