Over ₹500 Cr spent on tourism projects in J&K: GoI

Srinagar, Dec 03: The Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that Jammu and Kashmir has benefited from the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with over ₹500 crore sanctioned for various tourism development projects.
He revealed the information while responding to a query about the scheme’s progress and project details.
He said under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, ₹528.58 crore was allocated for seven tourism projects in Jammu and Kashmir for developing key destinations across the Himalayan circuit. All these projects have been completed to enhance the infrastructure and tourism potential of the UT.
He said that the projects include the development of tourist facilities at Jammu, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Anantnag, Kargil, and Leh. “We also developed facilities at iconic destinations such as Gulmarg, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Rajouri to ensure a boost to the local tourism economy,” he added.
He said that additional projects included the restoration and reconstruction of tourism assets damaged during the 2014 floods. “This work was carried out under the Prime Minister’s Development Package, he said.
He also said that the ministry periodically reviews the progress of these projects and addresses gaps in infrastructure and land-related issues. “We advise state and UT administrations to focus on sustainable tourism, public-private partnerships, and the long-term maintenance of assets created under the scheme.”
The Minister said that the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 focuses on sustainable and responsible tourism. “Under this scheme, ₹36.90 crore has been sanctioned for projects in Leh and Kargil to promote eco-tourism and cultural heritage to ensure public participation and environmental preservation,” he concluded.