Jammu, Feb 3: Despite a surge in tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, funds allocated by the Union Tourism Ministry for projects sanctioned in 2016-17 under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme remain partially utilized, raising concerns over implementation delays.
In response to questions in the Lok Sabha, the Union Tourism Ministry disclosed that while the promotion and development of tourism fall under state and UT administrations, financial aid is provided under schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), and the Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development.
Incomplete Utilization of Funds
Six projects under the Himalayan Circuit were sanctioned in 2016-17, but large portions of the released funds remain unspent:
Jammu-Srinagar-Pahalgam-Bhagwati Nagar-Anantnag-Salamabad Uri-Kargil-Leh Circuit: ₹77.33 crore sanctioned, ₹67.37 crore released, but only ₹59.30 crore utilized.
Jammu-Rajouri-Shopian-Pulwama Circuit: ₹81.60 crore sanctioned, ₹67.35 crore released, and ₹59.41 crore utilized.
Reconstruction of assets damaged in the 2014 floods: ₹90.43 crore sanctioned, ₹74.70 crore released, and ₹67.07 crore utilized.
Mantalai and Sudhmahadev development: ₹91.99 crore fully utilized.
Anantnag-Pulwama-Kishtwar-Pahalgam-Zanskar-Padam-Daksum-Ranjit Sagar Dam Circuit: ₹86.39 crore sanctioned, ₹69.95 crore released, but ₹63.25 crore utilized.
Gulmarg-Baramulla-Kupwara-Kargil-Leh Circuit: ₹91.84 crore sanctioned, ₹82.16 crore released, and fully utilized.
No Economic Impact Study on Tourism Growth
Despite a noticeable increase in tourist inflow to J&K, the Union Tourism Ministry admitted that no study has been conducted to assess the economic impact of this surge.
Revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme & New Developments
The government has revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), aiming for sustainable and responsible tourism with a destination-centric approach. Under this initiative, Basholi has been identified as a key destination in J&K.
Additionally, under the PRASHAD Scheme, ₹40.46 crore was allocated for the development of Hazratbal Shrine, of which ₹34.30 crore has been released.
To promote eco-tourism, Mushkoh village in Ladakh has been included in the eco-circuit category. The government continues to invite proposals from states and UTs for financial assistance under various tourism development schemes, subject to fund availability and project eligibility.
Despite these initiatives, the underutilization of funds from past projects highlights administrative inefficiencies, delaying the full potential of tourism-driven economic growth in the region.