Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme

Context:

The tourism ministry has included Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.

Relevance:

GS II: Government policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Nurturing Sustainable Tourism
2. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Nurturing Sustainable Tourism

Inception:

• Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• Aims to foster sustainable and responsible tourism destinations across India.

Funding Mechanism:

• A 100% centrally funded scheme.
• Financial assistance provided to State governments, Union Territory Administrations, or Central Agencies for tourism infrastructure development.
• Operation and Maintenance (O&M) responsibility lies with the respective State Government/UT Administration.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0):

• Recently revamped version focusing on comprehensive development:
  • Tourism and allied infrastructure.
  • Tourism services.
  • Human capital development.
  • Destination management and promotion.
  • Backed by policy and institutional reforms.
• Objectives:
  • Encourage increased private sector investment in tourism and hospitality.
  • Promote Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in tourism and facilitate operation and maintenance of created assets.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location:
  • Situated in the Bargarh district of Odisha, near the Hirakud dam on the Mahanadi River.
• Significance:
  • Special mention due to its association with freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.
  • Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985.
• Vegetation:
  • Encompasses dry deciduous mixed forests.
• Flora:
  • Abundance of trees including Sal, Asana, Bija, Aanla, Dhaura, etc.
• Fauna:
  • Rich biodiversity with inhabitants like Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Hyena, Spotted Deer, Antelopes, Sambar, Gaur, Nilgai, Bison, Langur Monkeys, etc.

-Source: The Times of India