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15-Dec-2022: “Eco Circuit” identified as one of the 15 thematic circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme to promote Eco Tourism in the country

Eco-tourism has been identified as one of the Niche Tourism areas for development in the country, including Odisha, by the Ministry of Tourism. 

Ministry of Tourism has taken several steps to develop and promote eco-tourism in the country, including Odisha, which inter alia include the following:

  1. In order to position India as a preferred global destination for Eco/sustainable and responsible tourism, Ministry of Tourism has formulated National Strategies for Eco Tourism and Sustainable Tourism.
  2. In order to guide the operationalization and implementation of the strategy documents, a National Board for Sustainable Tourism has been constituted under the chairmanship of Secretary (Tourism).  1st and 2nd meetings of the Board were held on 16th August 2022 and 31st October 2022 respectively during which detailed deliberations were made on plan of action for operationalization and implementation of the strategy documents, which include eco-tourism.
  3. Ministry of Tourism entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) on 27th September 2021 to undertake measures to actively promote and support 'sustainability initiatives' in the tourism sector of each other and work in a collaborative manner.
  4. Ministry of Tourism evolved & adopted Comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for major segments of the tourism industry, namely accommodation units and tour operators, applicable for the entire country, including Odisha.
  5. Recognizing the potential for the development of Eco tourism in the country, Ministry of Tourism identified “Eco Circuit” as one of the 15 thematic circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

20-Jul-2021: Ministry of Tourism has identified “Eco Circuit” as one of the 15 thematic circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Key Highlights:

  • ECO Tourism being developed as part of “Niche Tourism”
  • Financial assistance provided under Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of tourism related infrastructure and facilities in the country
  • Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for major segments of tourism industry developed
  • Mandatory for approved Tourism Service Providers to follow Code of Conduct for safe and suitable Tourism
  • Projects under Swadesh Darshan are identified for development in consultation with States/UT's

Eco-tourism has been identified as one of the Niche Tourism areas by Ministry of Tourism for development in the country.

Promotion and Development of tourism, including Eco Tourism, is the primary responsibility of the State Governments/UT Administrations.  However, Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance under Swadesh Darshan Scheme for the development of tourism related infrastructure and facilities in the country. Recognizing the potential for the development of Eco tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has identified “Eco Circuit” as one of the 15 thematic circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier. Submission of project proposals by the State Government and its sanctioning is a continuous process.

Ministry of Tourism has been laying stress on maintenance of environmental integrity, considering the importance of developing tourism in an ecologically sustainable manner.  The Ministry of Tourism has evolved Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) for major segments of the tourism industry, namely accommodation, tour operators, beaches, backwaters, lakes and river sectors, etc., applicable for the entire country. The Criteria has been evolved after consultations with the various stakeholders. Ministry of Tourism has made it mandatory for the approved tourism service providers such as tour operators, adventure tour operators, travel agents etc., to follow the Code of Conduct for safe and sustainable Tourism.

16-Feb-2019:  K.J. Alphons to inaugurate ‘Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Vagamon – Thekkady’ project in Kerala

Shri K.J. Alphons, Union Minister for Tourism will be inaugurating the project ‘Development of Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Vagamon – Thekkady’ under the Swadesh Darshan scheme of Ministry of Tourism in the presence of Shri K. Surendran Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala at Vagamon, Kerala on 17th February 2019.

This Eco Circuit project was sanctioned in December 2015 for Rs. 76.55 crores. Major works carried out under the project includes Eco Adventure Tourism Park at Vagamon, Cultural Centre at Kadamanitta, Eco Log Huts at Peerumedu, Idukki, Approach Roads, Walking trails, Rain Shelters at Pine Valley Forest, Thekkady, Kumily, Moozhiyar Dam, Penstock and Kakki Dam.

Swadesh Darshan scheme is one of the flagship schemes of Ministry of Tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner. Under this scheme the Government is focussing on development of quality infrastructure in the country with objective of providing better experience and facilities to the visitors on one hand and on other hand fostering the economic growth. The scheme was launched in 2014 -15 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 77 projects worth projects for Rs. 6131.88 Crore to 30 States and UTs. 30 projects / major components of projects are expected to be completed during the current financial year, of which 12 projects worth Rs.1024.49 crore, covering the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh Kerala and Sikkim have already been inaugurated.

The Ministry of Tourism recognizing the tourism potential of the State has sanctioned 7 projects in the State of Kerala under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes for an approximate amount of Rs. 550 crores.