Punjab: Amritsar and Kapurthala identified for development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0

The Union Ministry of Tourism has now revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0) with the objective of developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations, following a destination and tourism-centric approach.

A total of 57 destinations have been identified for development under the SD 2.0 Scheme. Amritsar and Kapurthala destinations have been identified for development in the State of Punjab under the SD 2.0 Scheme.

This has been stated by the Union Minister of Tourism G Kishan Reddy in an answer to a question on "Tourism Development Projects for the State of Punjab" asked by MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora in the recently concluded interim budget session of Rajya Sabha. Arora had asked about the proposed tourism development projects for the State of Punjab under the Central Sector Scheme; and the details of such projects undertaken, State/UT-wise.

In a statement, Arora said the Minister stated in his answer that the Ministry of Tourism under the schemes of 'Swadesh Darshan', 'National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)' and 'Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development' provides financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations/Central Agencies for the development of tourism-related infrastructure and facilities at various tourism destinations in the country.

The Minister also provided the details of projects sanctioned under the above-mentioned schemes in different States/UTs including Punjab.

As per these details made available by the Minister, Punjab was sanctioned Rs.85.32 Crore for development of Anandpur Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib, Ferozpur, Khatkar Kalan, Kalanour and Patiala in the year 2018-19 under `Swadesh Darshan Scheme'.