The Chhattisgarh Government will soon be developing the area around Gangrel dam in Dhamtari district of the State as an eco-ethnic destination, officials informed.
It may be recalled that the Chhattisgarh government will also be creating an ‘eco-ethnic’ tourist destination near the world famous Chitrakot water falls in Bastar region of the State, official sources informed.
Notably, Chhattisgarh exchanged MoUs worth Rs12 crores for development of world-class tourist facilities during ‘Incredible India Tourism Investors’ Summit (IITIS)- 2016’ organized by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry and the Tourism Finance Corporation of India from September 21 to 23, 2016 in New Delhi to promote investments in Tourism sector in India.
Several key announcements were made at the valedictory session of the Summit.
The states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Chattisgarh exchanged 86 MoUs during the session and many more are in the pipeline, aggregating close to Rs15,000 crores, officials informed.
At the summit, Gujarat exchanged MoUs close to 9000 crores, Karnataka with 2600 crores, Rajasthan with 1000 crores ,Uttarakhand with 500 crores and Chhattisgarh with 12 crores. Also, B. R. Shetty Group is keen to invest 450 crores and Costa Cruise 750 crores and Triveni Singapore close to 800 crores in the country.
Notably, Chhattisgarh is among only two other states which had sent a proposal last year to the Union Ministry of Tourism for its theme-based ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme for development of eco-tourism infrastructure in the State.
The proposal by Chhattisgarh is for ‘Integrated Development of Eco Tourism’ circuit in Rajmergarh–Kabir Chabutra-Achanakmar Tiger Reserve- Kurdar-Sirpur-Kodar Dam-Gangrel Dam-Kanger Valley National Park, officials informed.
The Telangana State had sent proposal for ‘ Integrated Development of Eco Tourism circuit’ in Mahaboobnagar District and Kerala has sent proposal for ‘Integrated Development of Eco Tourism’ circuit in Gavi – Pathanamthitta.
Promotion, development of tourism and its infrastructure including promotion of eco-tourism/heritage tourism is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, officials stated.
The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for projects that are complete as per existing scheme guidelines and are sanctioned subject to availability of scheme/funds and utilization of funds released earlier.
Notably, in 2014-15, the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) had drawn up ambitious plans to develop India’s biggest 'Eco-tourism hub' in the State, an official press release issued last year had stated.
The press release had stated that CTB had already received a Rs113.5 crores project prioritization go ahead from the Union Ministry of Tourism to take its plans forward.
The CTB, under the aegis of the Chhattisgarh Government had created a blue-print of future tourism plans that will help establish Chhattisgarh as India’s biggest 'Eco-Tourism hub, it had stated.'
Based on the fact that Chhattisgarh is blessed with 80% bio-diversity and a melange of natural abundance tops in natural tourism where three national parks, 11 wildlife sanctuaries, more than 30 significant waterfalls, abundant caves and untouched natural topography , the CTB seeks to promote tourism in the State at an international level through its ambitious future plans, it stated.
Notably, the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) will also be aggressively promoting Home Stays segment for tourists , officials informed.
CTB had earlier also has decided to offer special concessions to the travel agents and tour operators for further boosting tourist traffic in the State.
Officials stated the Board will now charge an amount of Rs1000 for three year registration from these agents in order to provide services to the tourists.
Earlier, one year registration and validity charge amounting to Rs1000 was fixed for travel agents by the Board.
The Central government has put up the anticipated timeline for completion of the Tribal Tourism Circuit in Chhattisgarh to be 2019-20.
The Tribal Tourism Circuit will provide an opportunity to the tourists to witness and experience tribal culture and traditions in Chhattisgarh, officials informed.
The key components for development under the project are ‘Ethnic Tourist Village’ and ‘Ethnic Tourist Development’, Destination Development and Wayside amenities.The project would be developed by CTB.