## Policy Summary: Tourism Development in Odisha under Swadesh Darshan Scheme
This document summarizes the Ministry of Tourism's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 136 regarding tourism development in Odisha under the Swadesh Darshan (SD) scheme, specifically focusing on SD 1.0 and the revamped SD 2.0.
**Swadesh Darshan 1.0:**
* A project sanctioned in Financial Year 2016-17 for the development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada, and Tampara under the Coastal Circuit theme, with a sanctioned budget of Rs. 70.82 crore, is reported as physically complete.
**Swadesh Darshan 2.0:**
* The Swadesh Darshan Scheme has been revamped to Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) with an objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations adopting a tourist-centric approach.
* In consultation with the State Government of Odisha, Debrigarh, along with the special attraction of Khinda Village, has been identified as a destination for development under SD 2.0. However, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this project is still pending receipt by the Ministry.
**General Points:**
* The Ministry of Tourism clarifies that the development and promotion of tourist destinations and products is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry complements these efforts through financial assistance under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
* The Ministry encourages tourism infrastructure development that promotes local livelihoods and community participation, including tribal communities, with the aim of creating opportunities for skill development, self-employment, and engagement of local stakeholders.
Key Entities Referenced
Swadesh Darshan 2.0: A revamped central sector scheme by the Ministry of Tourism to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations.
Odisha State: A state in India, focus of tourism development mentioned in the policy.
Koraput: A location in Odisha State, where tourism development project is sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
Debrigarh: A location in Odisha State, identified as a destination for development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
Khinda Village: A village in Odisha State with special attraction, identified as a destination for development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 along with Debrigarh.
Gopalpur: A location in Odisha State, part of a project under Swadesh Darshan 1.0.
Barkul: A location in Odisha State, part of a project under Swadesh Darshan 1.0.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme SD 1.0: A central sector scheme by the Ministry of Tourism under which project in the Financial Year 201617 Development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada and Tampara under Coastal Circuit theme in the State of Odisha has been sanctioned
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.136
ANSWERED ON 21.07.2025
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN ODISHA UNDER SDS 2.0
136. SHRI BAIJAYANT PANDA:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether the project sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD
2.0) in Odisha State for Koraput, Debrigarh and Khinda village have
made any physical or financial progress during the last year and
the current year;
(b) if so, the expected timelines, recent tourist footfall and impact on
the local economy and jobs;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor and details of any pending approvals;
(d) the present status of the Rs. 70.82 crore project sanctioned under
SDs 1.0 for Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada and Tampara; and
(e) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to
involve local tribal communities through skill development and
livelihood opportunities?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (e): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and
products is primarily undertaken by the respective State
Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. 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 including the State of Odisha. The Ministry of Tourism
under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SD 1.0) has sanctioned a project in
the Financial Year 2016-17 ‘Development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada
and Tampara’ under Coastal Circuit theme in the State of Odisha. The
project has been reported physically complete.Ministry has revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan
2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible
tourism destinations following a destination & tourist centric approach.
In consultation with the State Government of Odisha ‘Debrigarh along
with the special attraction of ‘Khinda Village’ was identified as
destination for development under SD 2.0. for which the DPR has not
been received.
Ministry encourages development of tourism infrastructure in a manner
that promotes local livelihoods and community participation, including
that of tribal communities. The projects sanctioned under the scheme
aim to create opportunities for skill development, self-employment, and
engagement of local stakeholders.
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