K.J. Alphons, Union Minister for Tourism, on January 30, 2019 inaugurated the first project under the Swadesh Darshan Project of the Union Ministry of Tourism at the Zero Point, Gangtok, Sikkim. This project was sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism in June 2015 for Rs. 98.05 crores and is the first ever project in Sikkim under the scheme.
The project is officially named as “Development of North East Circuit: Rangpo– Rorathang- Aritar- Phadamchen- Nathang-Sherathang- Tsongmo- Gangtok-Phodong- Mangan- Lachung-Yumthang- Lachen- Thangu-Gurudongmer- Mangan- Gangtok-Tuminlingee- Singtam”.
Under this project, the Ministry has developed tourism infrastructure facilities like Tourist Information Centre, Meditation Centre, Organic Eco Tourism centre, Log Huts, Zip Line, Flower Exhibition Centre, Walkways, Souvenir Shops, Cafeteria, Rain Shelters, Wayside Amenity, Last Mile Connectivity, Parking, Public Toilets etc,.
| Development of Tourism in North Eastern Region |
| The development of Tourism in North Eastern Region has been prime area of focus for the Ministry of Tourism. In recent times, several initiatives for growth of domestic and international tourism in the region has been taken by the Ministry. ' The Ministry sanctioned 16 projects for Rs. 1349.04 crores covering all North Eastern States under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD. The Ministry has also set up Hotel Managements and Food Craft Institutes for creating skilled manpower in tourism and hospitality sector in the North Eastern Region. The efforts of Ministry have shown positive results as there have been a surge in the Foreign tourist arrivals in the region over the years. The region received a total of 1.69 lakh foreign tourist visits during 2017 as against 1.45 lakh in 2016. The Domestic Tourist Visits reached to 95.47 lakhs in the year 2017 against 77.71 lakh. |
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
• Swadesh Darshan Scheme is one of the flagship scheme of Ministry of tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned manner.
• Under the scheme. the Government is focussing on development of quality infrastructure in the country with objective of providing better experience and facilities to the visitors and on fostering the economic growth.
• The scheme was launched in 2014 -15 when the Ministry sanctioned 77 projects worth projects for Rs. 6121.69 crore to 30 States and UTs.
• These 30 projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2019. 11 projects have already been inaugurated.