Centre funds tourism projects in Chhattisgarh; no zoo or wildlife conservation works mentioned

The Centre has approved ₹448.15 crore for tourism infrastructure development in Chhattisgarh , with a focus on promoting eco-tourism and forest-based destinations , the Union Ministry of Tourism said on Thursday.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said regions such as Bastar have significant potential for wildlife and nature-based tourism. However, he clarified that the development and promotion of tourism destinations are primarily the responsibility of State governments, while the Centre provides financial assistance under various schemes.

The funds sanctioned for Chhattisgarh are aimed at tourism infrastructure creation, including destination development, tourist amenities, and cultural facilities, and do not specifically include zoo modernisation or wildlife conservation projects, according to details shared by the Ministry.

Under the Swadesh Darshan 1.0 scheme, a project worth ₹96.10 crore has been approved for developing a tourism circuit covering Jashpur, Jagdalpur, Chitrakoot and Teerthgarh. Another project costing ₹145.99 crore has been sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for the development of the Bhoramdev Corridor in Kawardha district.

Additionally, ₹9.96 crore has been approved for developing Mayali Garden as an eco-tourism destination under the Challenge Based Destination Development scheme, while ₹48.44 crore has been sanctioned under the PRASHAD scheme for the development of Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple at Dongargarh.

The Centre has also approved ₹95.79 crore for the development of Chirotpala Film City and ₹51.87 crore for setting up a Tribal and Cultural Convention Centre under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme.

The Ministry said the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme adopts a destination-centric approach with an emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism , aligned with the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and the “Travel for Life” initiative.

While the projects are expected to improve tourist facilities and generate livelihood opportunities for local communities , the Ministry’s statement does not mention any funding for zoo infrastructure upgrades, modern enclosures, introduction of rare species, or scientific wildlife conservation measures , which fall under separate forest and environment programmes.