First tribal circuit project to be inaugurated in Chhattisgarh tomorrow

Union minister K J Alphons will Friday inaugurate the the country's first tribal circuit project connecting 13 tourism sites in Chhattisgarh.

The project is being implemented under the Tourism Ministry's Swadesh Darshan scheme launched in 2014-15 for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner.

Alphons, the Minister of State for Tourism, will inaugurate the first tribal circuit project in Gangrel, Chhattisgarh, Friday, an official statement said.

The circuit connects Jashpur, Kunkuri, Mainpat, Kamleshpur, Maheshpur, Kurdar, Sarodadadar, Gangrel, Kondagaon, Nathiya Nawagaon, Jagdalpur, Chitrakoot, and Tirthgarh in Chhattisgarh.

The Tourism Ministry had sanctioned Rs. 99.21 crore for the project in February 2016.

The government had decided to include Chhattisgarh in the scheme under tribal circuit theme "with an objective to acknowledge the sovereignty of tribes and to promote the rich and diverse primitive assets in the state", the statement said.

Chhattisgarh is known for its exceptional scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Tribes make up over one-third of the state population. The tribes in the state have retained their culture and traditions for centuries.

"Major components sanctioned under the project include eco log huts, craft haats, souvenir shops, open amphitheatre, tribal interpretation centres, workshop centres, tourist amenities centres, viewpoints, nature trails, solar illuminations etc," the statement said.

These components will improve the existing tourist facilities, enhance the overall tourist experience and help in getting more visitors which in return will increase job opportunities in the area, it said.

"Development of tribes and tribal culture is one of the prime area of focus for the Tourism Ministry. It is carrying out an array of activities for development and promotion of tourism in the tribal region," the statement read.

Under the tribal circuit theme of the scheme, the ministry has sanctioned four projects to Nagaland, Telangana and Chhattisgarh for Rs. 381.37 crore.

So far, the Tourism Ministry has sanctioned 74 projects worth Rs. 5997.47 crore to 31 states and Union Territories under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the statement said.

Thirty projects/major components of these projects are expected to be completed this year, it said.