Rural tourism projects underway in Bihar, Kerala: Tourism Minister

tourism ministry has sanctioned two projects in Bihar and Kerala at a cost of Rs 125 crore under Rural Circuit as part of its endeavour to take tourism to vills of country.

In a written reply to a question from BJP MP Rakesh Sinha in Rajya Sabha, Tourism Minister Prahl Patel said ministry has launched Swesh Darshan Scheme for Integrated Development of me-based tourist circuits for development of tourism infrastructure, including last-mile connectivity.

He said that recognising potential of rural tourism in country, ministry has identified Rural Circuit as one of 15 matic circuits for development under this scheme.

" objectives of Swesh Darshan scheme include creating employment through active involvement of local communities and promoting community-based development and pro-poor tourism approach," Patel said.

"Based on above criteria, ministry has sanctioned two projects total amounting to Rs 125.02 crore for development of Rural Circuits under Swesh Darshan Scheme which are under different sts of implementation," he said.

Patel said one of projects was sanctioned in Bihar during financial year 2017-18 and this was development of Bhitiharwa -Chandrahia -Turkaulia circuit, amounting to Rs 44.65 crore.

or was sanctioned in Kerala, during 2018-19 and this was development of Malan Malabar Cruise Tourism, amounting to Rs 80.37 crore, he said.

ministry has also instituted a National Tourism Award in category of ‘Best Rural/Agri/Plantation Tourism Projects' to motivate stakeholders in tourism sector for implementing such projects.

" Ministry of Rural Development has informed us that ir Shyama Pras Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) follows vision of development of a cluster of vills that preserve and nurture essence of rural community life with focus on equity and inclusiveness without compromising with facilities perceived to be essentially urban in nature, thus creating a cluster of 'Rurban Vills'," he said.

Under mission, 300 clusters are being developed across 28 states and eight union territories. Tourism is one of mes of Rurban cluster development.

Tourism related activities and projects are among 21 component categories under SPMRM.

Patel said ministry of rural development has informed that a total 67 Rurban clusters have proposed tourism-related activities in gram panchayats across 26 states and union territories.

major objective of Rural Tourism Circuit is to showcase rural life, art, culture and herit in vills, that have core competence in art and craft, handloom, textiles, natural environment and or specialities.