Srinagar, Dec 3: Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that over ₹500 crore has been spent on tourism development projects in Jammu and Kashmir under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
He said ₹528.58 crore was allocated for seven tourism projects aimed at developing key destinations across the Himalayan circuit in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that all these projects have been completed to boost the tourism infrastructure and potential of UT.
He said the projects include the development of tourist facilities in Jammu, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Anantnag, Kargil, and Leh. He also mentioned improvements in iconic destinations like Gulmarg, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Rajouri to enhance the local tourism economy.
The Minister said additional work involved restoring tourism assets damaged during the 2014 floods, carried out under the Prime Minister’s Development Package.
He said the ministry regularly reviews the progress of these projects and addresses infrastructure and land-related issues.
The Minister advised local administrations to focus on sustainable tourism, public-private partnerships, and long-term maintenance of assets created under the scheme.
He also said that the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism.
He concluded by saying ₹36.90 crore has been allocated for eco-tourism and cultural heritage projects in Leh and Kargil to ensure public participation and environmental preservation.
