Parliament Question: Swadesh Darshan 2.0 in Punjab

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4391 ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026 SWADESH DARSHAN 2.0 IN PUNJAB 4391 SHRI SATNAM SINGH SANDHU: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) fund utilization and physical progress of the ₹181.18 crore sanctioned for Punjab under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD); (b) whether Government proposes to conduct a comprehensive survey or feasibility study to map and develop the untapped eco-tourism, nature trail and adventure sports potential of the Shivalik foothills (Kandi region) in the State; (c) whether the Ministry will sanction further financial assistance to develop dedicated riverine tourism circuits and water-based recreational infrastructure along the Sutlej and Beas rivers; and (d) measurable impact of these allocated funds and proposed expansions on local employment, skill development and revenue generation for rural youth? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (d): Development of tourism destinations and products, including survey, mapping or study to develop eco-tourism, nature trails, adventure tourism and riverine and water-based tourism etc. is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Government (SG)/Union Territory Administration (UTA). However, the Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes such as ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’, ‘Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)’, and ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)’ –a sub-scheme of SD2.0 etc. 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 instructions, inter-se priority etc. While sanctioning of projects is an ongoing process, it is also subject to validity of applicable schemes. While the Ministry releases / authorized funds for sanctioned projects, its actual utilization is done by the concerned State Implementing Agency. The details of projects sanctioned under SD, SD2.0 and CBDD schemes in the state of Punjab is annexed. The project sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan (SD) scheme in Punjab is reported physically complete whereas, projects sanctioned under SD2.0 and CBDD are at different stages of implementation. 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 along with skill development. ********ANNEXURE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4391 ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026 REGARDING SWADESH DARSHAN 2.0 IN PUNJAB RAISED BY SHRI SATNAM SINGH SANDHU The details of projects sanctioned under SD, SD2.0 and CBDD in the state of Punjab: Swadesh Darsha (SD) Scheme (in ₹ Crore) S. Circuit / Name of the Project Amount Amount Amount No. Sanction Year Sanctioned Released/ Utilized Authorized 1. Heritage Development of Anandpur Sahib - 85.32 81.05 81.05 Circuit Fatehgarh Sahib - Chamkaur Sahib - 2018-19 Ferozpur - Khatkar Kalan – Kalanour - Patiala Swadesh Darsha 2.0 (SD2.0) Scheme (in ₹ Crore) S. Destination Name of the Experience Sanctioned Sanctioned Amount No. Year Cost Authorized for Utilization 1. Amritsar Border Tourism Experience at Attari 2024-25 25.91 2.59 2. Kapurthala Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli 2023-24 20.06 --- wetland Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme (in ₹ Crore) S. Destination/ Name of the Experience Sanctioned Sanctioned Amount No. Category Year Cost Authorized for Utilization 1. Rupnagar (Anandpur Heritage Street -A Symbol of 2024-25 24.90 2.49 Sahib) Peace and Harmony at Sri (Spiritual Tourism) Anandpur Sahib 2. Ferozpur Cultural and Heritage Strech 2024-25 25.00 2.50 (Hussainiwala at Hussainiwala Border Border) (Culture & Heritage) *******