Centre okays Rs 500 cr for J-K under Swadesh Darshan scheme

The Centre has approved projects worth Rs 500 crore for integrated development of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir under Swadesh Darshan scheme.
"The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee, chaired by Union Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi, for Swadesh Darshan Scheme has approved projects to the tune of Rs 500 crore as part of Development Package of Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan for integrated development of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir," an official release said.
Highlights of the project include setting up convention centres in Gulmarg and Patnitop and development of ethnic villages and water sports centre at Baghliyar Dam - Pool Doda, it said.

Other major proposed interventions include last mile connectivity, tourist facilitation/interpretation centre, base camps for trekking, facilitation centre for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, illumination of heritage structures, provision of eco-friendly vehicles, it added.
Under Swadesh Darshan, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development, namely North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.