Funds released for projects sanctioned in 2016-17 yet to be fully utilized in J&K
No study to assess economic impact of tourism surge in UT Basholi identified as destination under SD 2.0: GoI

JAMMU, Feb 4: Several crores of rupees released by the Union Tourism Ministry for the projects sanctioned in the year 2016-17 under Swadesh Darshan Scheme are yet to be fully utilized by the concerned authorities of Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, no study has been instituted to assess the economic impact of the surge in the tourism in the Union Territory.
Giving this information in response to different questions in the Lok Sabha today, the Union Tourism Ministry said, “while promotion and development of tourism including eco-tourism is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State/UT, Ministry of Tourism under the schemes of Swadesh Darshan, National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) and Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development provides financial assistance to State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations/ Central Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure and facilities at various tourism destinations in the country”.
As per the details provided by the Ministry, six projects titled Himalayan Circuit were sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme in the year 2016-17. As far as development of Jammu-Srinagar-Pahalgam-Bhagwati Nagar- Anantnag-Salamabab Uri-Kargil-Leh circuit is concerned, an amount of Rs 77.33 crore was sanctioned and against this an amount of Rs 67.37 crore was released/authorized. However, an amount of Rs 59.30 crore has been utilized by the concerned authorities.
Similarly, an amount of Rs 81.60 crore was sanctioned for development of tourist facilities in Jammu-Rajouri-Shopian-Pulwama Circuit and against this an amount of Rs 67.35 crore was released but utilization has been recorded at Rs 59.41 crore.
For development of tourist facilities-construction of assets in lieu of those destroyed in floods in 2014 under PM Development Package, an amount of Rs 90.43 crore was sanctioned and against this Rs 74.70 crore were released but the utilization was Rs 67.07 crore. However, all the sanctioned funds—Rs 91.99 crore for development of tourist facilities at Mantalai and Sudhmahadev have been released and utilized.
For development of tourist facilities for Anantnag-Pulwama-Kishtwar-Pahalgam-Zanskar-Padam-Daksum-Ranjit Sagar Dam Circuit, an amount of Rs 86.39 crore was sanctioned and against this Rs 69.95 crore were released. But an amount of Rs 63.25 crore has been utilized. Likewise, for development of tourist facilities for Gulmarg-Baramulla-Kupwara-Kargil-Leh an amount of Rs 91.84 crore was sanctioned and against this an amount of Rs 82.16 crore was released and entire amount has been utilized.
Responding to a query regarding assessment of economic impact of the surge in tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry said, “no such study has been instituted by the Ministry of Tourism to assess the impact of the surge in tourism in the Union Territory”.
The Ministry further said, “the Government has revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations following a tourist and destination centric approach”.
“The Ministry has identified Basholi as one of the destinations in Jammu and Kashmir under revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme”, the Minister of Tourism said, adding “under PRASHAD Scheme, development at Hazratbal Shrine was sanctioned in the year 2016-17 at a cost of Rs 40.46 crore and against this an amount of Rs 34.30 crore has been released”.
About the steps taken by the Government to promote eco-tourism projects, the Minister said that eco-circuit has been identified as one of the thematic circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and Mushkoh village of Ladakh has been selected under this category.
“Proposals are received from the States/UTs from time to time for seeking financial assistance under various schemes of the Ministry of Tourism and these proposals are extended for projects subject to fulfillment of the stipulated provisions and availability of funds”, the Minister added.