Kaza, Pong dam to be developed under central tourism scheme

SHIMLA: The Union ministry of tourism, under its revamped ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme’, has identified Pong Dam in Kangra district as one of the destinations with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. In addition, the tourism ministry has also identified Kaza in Lahaul and Spiti district of the hill state under the ‘culture and heritage destination’ category.

This is alongside Rakchham and Chhitkul in Kinnaur district in the ‘vibrant villages program destination’ category under challengebased destination development (CBDD), a sub-scheme under ‘Swadesh Darshan 2.0.’ Sharing this information in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Union minister of tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat al so informed that the central govt has approved the initiative to develop tribal homestays under the ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme’ as part of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan’.

Shekhawat highlighted that this intervention includes the development of 1,000 homestays with support of up to Rs 5 lakh per unit for new construction, up to Rs 3 lakh for renovation, and Rs 5 lakh for village community requirements. The Union ministry has even formulated national strategies and roadmaps for the development of rural tourism and rural homestays in the country with the vision to leverage this latent potential and forge a dynamic, responsible, and sustainable tourism environment in the rural areas of the country, he added.

In response to a question by Sikander Kumar, Rajya Sabha member from Himachal Pradesh, the Union minister informed that the tourism ministry, under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme, has sanctioned 76 projects for Rs 5,287 crore in the country, including one project for Rs 68 crore in Himachal Pradesh. However, he clarified that the development and promotion of tourism destinations and products are primarily undertaken by the concerned state govt and union territory administration.

UP aims to boost tourism by developing heritage sites

Uttar Pradesh's tourism department held a Heritage Conclave to promote heritage tourism. Officials pledged support for heritage property owners, particularly royal families, emphasizing public-private partnerships to develop sites like Bundelkhand's forts. The conclave explored using heritage properties as hotels and cultural centers, boosting local economies and showcasing regional products.

Assam Univ initiative for rural tourism centred on wetlands

Assam University Silchar has launched a program to empower homestay owners in the Son Beel wetland area. This initiative offers training to locals, aiming to boost rural tourism and create economic opportunities.

Mangata eco-tourism centre aids sustainability

Chhattisgarh's Van Chetna Kendra, an eco-tourism site in the Mangata forest, has successfully addressed human-wildlife conflicts while boosting community development. The initiative transformed the once conflict-ridden area into a popular tourist destination, generating employment and economic opportunities for locals, particularly tribal communities. The park's success demonstrates a sustainable model for environmental conservation and economic growth.

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