Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Two coastal tourism circuit projects inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated two coastal tourism circuit projects in Andhra Pradesh taken up under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. These projects are aimed at boosting beach and coastal tourism by leveraging bountiful coastlines along the state.

Two coastal tourism projects are

First coastal circuit: It includes beautification of Nellore tank and Pulicat Lake, facelift to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, construction of restaurant and development of Kotha Koduru, Ubbala Madugu, Mypadu, Rama Theertham, and Isukapalli project.
Second coastal circuit:  It is aimed at developing Kakinada port, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Hope Island, construction of cottages and wooden huts at Aduru, Passarlapudi and S Yanam and development of Kotipalli project.

Swadesh Darshan scheme

It was launched by Union Tourism Ministry with objective to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country. These tourist circuits will be developed on principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.
Under this scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development. They are Buddhist Circuit, North-East India Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
It is 100% centrally funded scheme for project components undertaken for public funding. It also has provision for leveraging voluntary funding under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector.
The funding of projects under this scheme varies from state to state. It is finalised on basis of detailed project reports prepared by Programme Management Consultant (PMC) which is national level consultant for implementing the scheme. So far, Tourism Ministry has sanctioned 74 projects worth Rs. 5997.47 crore to 31 states and Union Territories under this scheme.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2018