The Centre has sanctioned 40 projects worth $398 million under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)’ initiative to comprehensively develop iconic tourist centers across 23 states. This ambitious effort aims to enhance these destinations, branding and marketing them on a global scale, as informed by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The Ministry of Tourism has issued operational guidelines to all states for submission of project proposals. These proposals were evaluated based on parameters such as site connectivity, tourism ecosystem, carrying capacity, sustainability measures, operational management, project impact, and tourism marketing plans. The Centre emphasized that the implementation of the SASCI-sanctioned projects would be overseen by state agencies. Additionally, a mechanism has been formulated to review progress periodically to ensure seamless execution.
To promote various tourist destinations, including lesser-known spots, the Ministry of Tourism is leveraging multiple promotional initiatives like websites, social media campaigns, event participation, and supporting state governments in organizing fairs and festivals.
Key proposals include:
- Andhra Pradesh receiving $9.35 million for the Gandikota Fort and Gorge Experience.
- A $11.30 million project for Akhanda Godavari (Havelock Bridge and Pushkar Ghat) at Rajamahendravaram.
- A $5.66 million project for the Siang Adventure and Eco-Retreat in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh.
- $11.31 million for the Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati.
- $11.35 million for the beautification of Rang Ghar in Sivasagar, Assam.
In Goa, $11.76 million has been allocated for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Ponda and $10.93 million for the proposed Townsquare in Povorim. Bihar’s sanctioned projects include $11.79 million for the development of Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa and $5.96 million for the Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting tourism and transforming India’s iconic sites into world-class attractions, thereby bolstering the nation’s tourism sector on a global scale.
