For integrated development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has launched Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2014-15. Wildlife Circuit is one of the thirteen thematic circuit identified for development under this scheme. The details of projects sanctioned under the Wildlife Circuit of Swadesh Darshan Scheme is given below:

 

(Rs. in Crore)

Sl. No.	Name of State	Year	Project Name	Amt. Sanctioned	Amt. Released
1.	Madhya Pradesh	2015-16	Development of Wildlife Circuit at Panna-Mukundpur-Sanjay-Dubri-Bandhavgarh-Kanha-Mukki-Pench.	92.22	46.11
2.	Assam	2015-16	Development of Manas – Probitora – Nameri – Kaziranga – Dibru – Saikhowa.	95.67	19.13
Total				187.89	65.24

 

In developing the wildlife circuit, emphasis is on improving the quality of tourist facilities available at the parks, improving connectivity, skill development of the local population and safety and security of tourists.

 

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informs that participation of local communities living in and around the Protected Areas in management of the said areas is encouraged as part of the Eco-Development Activities and that the National Tiger Conservation Authority has issued guidelines for taking up eco-tourism in Tiger Reserves.

 

It is also further informed that Tourism in Protected Areas is undertaken in accordance with provisions of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and activities enshrined in the Management Plans for the Protected Areas.

 

This information was given by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

 

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Sanjay Kumar/jk/Parl. No.2 /31-07-2017

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