Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Tourism addresses a parliamentary question regarding the promotion of tourism in Nashik, Maharashtra, under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS). While the primary responsibility for tourism development rests with the State Government/UT Administration, the Ministry supports these efforts through various central sector schemes. The Government of India has sanctioned 40 projects including the project Development of RAM KAL PATH in Nashik, Maharashtra for Rs. 99.14 Crore. Projects under the SASCI scheme are to be developed and completed within a maximum of 2 years, with fund release up to March 31, 2026.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Government Role:** The Ministry of Tourism complements State/UT efforts in tourism infrastructure development through financial assistance under schemes like Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).
* **SASCI Scheme:** The Ministry of Tourism issued operational guidelines for the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale (SASCI) scheme in 2024-25.
* **Nashik Project:** Under SASCI, the "Development of RAM KAL PATH" project in Nashik, Maharashtra, has been sanctioned for ₹99.14 Crore.
* **Project Selection:** Projects under SASCI are identified based on proposals from State Governments, assessed against prescribed parameters and the scheme's institutional framework.
* **Detailed Project Reports (DPR):** State Governments are responsible for formulating Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), including management and operation plans, after stakeholder consultations.
* **Project Timeline:** Sanctioned projects under SASCI must be developed and completed within a maximum of 2 years.
* **Funding Deadline:** The Government of India will release funds under the SASCI scheme until March 31, 2026.
* **Annexure Details:**
* Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the Development of Sindhudurg Coastal Circuit was sanctioned at ₹19.06 crore in 2015-16, and the Development of Waki Adasa-Dhapewada-Paradsingha-Telankhandi Girad Spiritual Circuit was sanctioned at ₹45.47 crore in 2018-19.
* Under the PRASHAD scheme, the Development of Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, was sanctioned at ₹45.41 crore in 2017-18.
* Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park Phase 3 was sanctioned at ₹76.22 crore in 2023-24.
* Under CBDD, the Development of Ahmednagar Fort was sanctioned at ₹24.99 crore in 2024-25.
Impact Analysis:
* **State Government of Maharashtra:**
* *Impact:* Receives financial assistance for tourism development, specifically for projects in Nashik and other areas. Responsible for project implementation, DPR formulation, and stakeholder consultation.
* *Action Required:* Develop and submit DPRs for sanctioned projects, ensure stakeholder consultation, and complete projects within the stipulated timeframe (maximum 2 years).
* **Local Stakeholders and Communities in Nashik:**
* *Impact:* Involvement in the planning and management of tourism projects, which can lead to sustainable tourism development and preservation of Nashik's heritage.
* *Action Required:* Participate in consultations during the DPR formulation process and contribute to the sustainable management of tourism initiatives.
Key Entities Referenced
Nashik, Maharashtra: A city in the state of Maharashtra, India, recognized for its cultural and spiritual significance and a focus of tourism development initiatives.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: A central sector scheme of the Ministry of Tourism aimed at developing thematic tourism circuits in India.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0: An evolved version of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, focusing on sustainable and responsible tourism development.
PRASHAD: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive, a scheme by the Ministry of Tourism to develop pilgrimage destinations.
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.
Maharashtra: A state in India receiving financial assistance for tourism infrastructure development, including projects in Nashik.
SASCI scheme: Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale, a scheme to develop iconic tourist centers in the country.
Ahmednagar Fort: A historical fort in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, that is undergoing development as part of the CBDD sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.155
ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025
PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN NASHIK UNDER SDS
155. SHRI RAJABHAU PARAG PRAKASH WAJE:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government recognizes Nashik’s cultural and spiritual
significance and plans to develop a comprehensive cultural
tourism under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) for places of
importance in and around Nashik and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the details of the funds likely to be allocated for the development
of infrastructure, tourist facilities and amenities at these sites to
enhance visitor experience and promote tourism;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any assessment to
evaluate the potential of Nashik as a major cultural tourism
destination and if so, the details and outcomes of such
assessments;
(d) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to
involve local stakeholders and communities in promoting and
managing this cultural circuit to ensure sustainable tourism
development and preservation of Nashik’s heritage; and
(e) the expected timeline for launching and completing this cultural
circuit project?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (e): Development and promotion of tourist destinations including
assessment to evaluate its potential is primarily undertaken by the
respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration.
However, the Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes of
‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), ‘Challenge Based
Destination Development (CBDD)’ – a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan
and ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive
(PRASHAD)’ is complementing the efforts of tourism infrastructuredevelopment by extending financial assistance to the State
Governments/UT Administrations. The details of the projects sanctioned
under above mentioned schemes in the State of Maharashtra including
Nashik is annexed.
In the year 2024-25, the Ministry of Tourism issued operational
guidelines for ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment –
Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’(SASCI) scheme
with the objective to comprehensively develop iconic tourist centres in
the country, branding and marketing them at global scale. Under the
said scheme, Government of India has sanctioned 40 projects in the
country for Rs.3295.76 Crore including the project ‘Development of RAM-
KAL PATH’ in Nashik, Maharashtra for ₹99.14 Crore. The projects under
SASCI scheme have been 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.
As per the contours of the scheme, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for
the projects is to be formulated by the concerned State Government
after analysing all the relevant factors including management and
operation plans. Further, the States are also required to undertake
consultations with various stakeholders and local community
representatives while preparing the DPRs. As per the sanction order
issued in respect of SASCI scheme, the sanctioned projects are to be
developed and completed within maximum of 2 years period whereas
Government of India will release funds under this scheme up to 31st
March, 2026.
*****ANNEXURE
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED
QUESTION NO.155 ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025 REGARDING PROMOTION
OF TOURISM IN NASHIK UNDER SDS RAISED BY SHRI RAJABHAU
PARAG PRAKASH WAJE
(I) Detail of projects sanctioned under identified thematic circuits of
Swadesh Darshan scheme in the state of Maharashtra
S. State/UT Circuit / Name of the Project Sanctioned
No. Sanction Cost
Year (in ₹ crore)
1. Maharashtra Coastal Development of 19.06
Curcuit Sindhudurg Coastal Circuit
2015-16 – Sagareshwar, Tarkarli,
Vijaydurg (Beach & Creek),
Mitbhav
2. Maharashtra Spiritual Development of Waki- 45.47
Circuit Adasa-Dhapewada-
2018-19 Paradsingha-Telankhandi-
Girad
(II) List of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD scheme in the state of
Maharashtra:-
Approved
S.
State/UT Project Name Sanction Year Cost
No
(in ₹ crore)
Development of 2017-18 45.41
1. Maharashtra Trimbakeshwar, Nashik
(iii) List of Projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 in the State
of Maharashtra
(Amount in Crore)
S. Sanction Sanctioned Cost
State/UT Project Name
No Year (in ₹ crore)
Shivsrushti Historical
1. Maharashtra 2023-24 76.22
Theme Park- Phase 3(iv) List of Projects sanctioned under CBDD, a sub scheme of SD 2.0 in
the State of Maharashtra
(Amount in Crore)
S. Year of Sanctioned Cost
State/UT Name of Project
No Sanction (in ₹ crore)
Development of
1. Maharashtra 2024-25 24.99
Ahmednagar Fort
*****