The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned several projects under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) and Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) schemes to boost tourism infrastructure and experiences across India, including Nagaland. The schemes aim to support State Governments and Union Territories in developing tourism destinations by providing financial assistance and encouraging sustainable growth.
In Nagaland, key projects approved under SD2.0 include the Adventure Tourism Experience at Jacob Village, Chumoukedima (Rs 32.54 crore, 2024-25), Eco-Tourism Experience at Chumoukedima Viewpoint (Rs 7.87 crore, 2024-25), and Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat (Rs 21.57 crore, 2023-24), also in Chumoukedima.
Additionally, under the CBDD scheme, the state has received funding for the Soulful Trails: The Impur Heritage Experience (Rs 24.94 crore, 2024-25) and Wings Over Doyang: An Eco-Tourism Haven at Doyang Reservoir (Rs 9.99 crore, 2024-25). The former falls under the ‘Spiritual Tourism’ category while the later falls under the ‘Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar Sites’ category.
The Ministry stated that while it provides grants, the operation and management of these projects rest with the State Governments.
“Under SD2.0 scheme, financial assistance is provided by the Ministry of Tourism in the form of Grant-in-aid, whereas operation and management of the created projects and assets including revenue generation, is undertaken at the level of concerned State Government/UT Administration.
Since the assets created through the schemes of the Ministry of Tourism are owned, operated and managed by the SGs/UTAs, the Ministry of Tourism has advised them to capture data related to footfall, revenue and employment,” the ministry said. The Swadesh Darshan scheme is approved until March 2026.
This information was shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.