Centre to Shell Out Rs 1200 Cr For Development Of Beaches, Rivers:- The Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday, that the government has sanctioned more than Rs 1,200 crore for the development of beaches and rivers as tourists spots.

Replying to a query, Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said under the coastal circuit of the ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme’ 11 projects, worth Rs 896.66 crore, have been sanctioned and four projects, costing Rs 119.27 crore, have been earmarked under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD). The development comes to harness the potential of beaches as a tourist attraction.

During financial years 2016-17 and 2017-18 to develop its beaches, Goa is set to receive the highest payout of around Rs 200 crore, while Andhra Pradesh has been sanctioned Rs 130 crore in FY 2014-2015 for its coastlines. During 2016-2017, Karnataka has been sanctioned Rs 95.67 crore and West Bengal and Maharashtra have been sanctioned Rs 85.39 crore and Rs 82.17 crore respectively during 2015-2016.

“The long coastline of India offers great potential for developing beach tourism. Coastal circuit which includes development of beach destinations is one of the 13 thematic circuits under the Swadesh Darshan scheme,” Sharma said.

The rivers too, have found funds to make them attractive for tourists.

To develop their river fronts under the PRASAD Scheme, the Culture Ministry has sanctioned Rs 194.41 crore to five States - Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The rivers like Prachi in Odisha, Krishna in Andhra Pradesh, Kapila, Hiranya and Gomti in Gujarat, Tamil Nadhu’s Palar and Vellaiyar rivers and West Bengal’s Hoogly have been chosen to be developed as tourist destinations.

SUPRAJA