Centre approves of Rs 85.23 crore tourist circuit projects

Union Tourism Ministry has approved of allocation of Rs 85.23 crore tourist circuit projects in Puducherry under the "Swadesh Darshan" scheme of the Ministry.
Puducherry Welfare and Tourism Minister P Rajavelu said that the Tourism Ministry had in the first instance released twenty percent (Rs 17.05 crores) of the approved outlay which was being used to develop integrated theme based tourism circuits in coastal villages in Puducherry and its outlying regions.
The Central allocation was in response to the details furnished by the Puducherry government for funds under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, he said in a release.
"Another major component includes development of

Aguada Fort and Jail as a major touristic destination. It will include upgradation and improvement of the Aguada helipad, parking, ticketing and bus facilities at the Fort, illumination, seating arrangements, cafe and a lot more," the minister said.
Coastal and Spiritual Tourism ar "Another major component includes development of

Aguada Fort and Jail as a major touristic destination. It will include upgradation and improvement of the Aguada helipad, parking, ticketing and bus facilities at the Fort, illumination, seating arrangements, cafe and a lot more," the minister said.
Coastal and Spiritual Tourism are the most pre-dominant sectors needing more attention in terms of basic infrastructure and creation of a clear circuit.

"While funds have been sanctioned under the coastal circuit, the proposal for funds under the spiritual circuit will be forwarded next to the Union Ministry of Tourism," Parulekar stated.
"The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is envisaged under the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of the Ministry of Tourism with the aim to fund projects that fall under the gamut of touristic potential due to its history, heritage, cultural importance as well as innovation," said Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation.
"After disappointment faced in the Smart Cityproject, we are elated with thesuccess achieved by GTDC in obtaining CFA under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. This is due to the tireless effortsofthe officials and engineersof the GTDC.

Proposalsfor additional fundingto the tune of Rs 100 crore each will be submittedunder river circuits, spiritual circuits and heritage and tribal circuits," he said.
Darashaw & Company Pvt. Ltd, lead consultant for the projects Aalap Bansal said this development proposal, submission and approval has been achieved in record time.
"The Ministry approved it speedily, as the proposal creates infrastructure provisions in the state, and aligns with the Swadesh Darshan scheme's vision, objective and mission. The second phase of the Detailed Project Report has been submitted and is under review by the Ministry.
The third phase of the report will be finalised and submitted in the coming months.

This is exciting and we are looking forward to experience the results of all the innovative conceptualisation and ideation," he added.