In a bid to ease overcrowding and over-tourism, the Indian government approved the development of eight lesser-known tourist destinations across six northeastern states. With a budget of approximately Rs 800 crore, these iconic sites will be developed over two years in Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim, and Tripura.
The Department of Expenditure (DoE) sanctioned the projects, releasing the first installment — 66% of the total funds — directly to the respective states. The Ministry of Tourism will oversee the implementation, aiming to complete the projects by March 2026, according to officials.
Key Projects Across States
The approved projects include:
- Nathula Border Experience, Sikkim: Rs 97.37 crore
- 51 Shakti Peethas Park, Gomti, Tripura: Rs 97.7 crore
- Loktak Lake Experience, Manipur: Rs 89.48 crore
- Umiam Lake, Shillong, Meghalaya: Rs 99.27 crore
- Assam State Zoo, Guwahati, Assam: Rs 97.12 crore
- Siang Eco-Retreat, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh: Rs 46.48 crore
These developments further are part of a larger initiative to promote balanced tourism across India, with 40 projects worth over Rs 3,295 crore approved across 23 states, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated.
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SASCI Guidelines For Iconic Tourism Development
The Ministry of Tourism, following DoE directives, issued operational guidelines under the Special Assistance to States/UTs for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. This initiative further offers long-term, interest-free loans for up to 50 years to support states in developing iconic tourist centers and branding them on a global scale.
Enhancing Local Economies And Sustainable Tourism
The ministry emphasized that by focusing on lesser-known destinations, the initiative aims to:
- Improve the overall tourism experience.
- Boost local economies.
- Ensure sustainable growth through strategic project selection.
The ministry is also encouraging states to explore public-private investment opportunities, with land for projects provided by the respective state governments.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Tourism Growth
Speaking at the 12th International Tourism Mart in Kaziranga, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted a 205% increase in tourist footfall over the last decade. He noted rising tourist numbers in villages bordering Tibet and emphasized ongoing collaboration between the state government, the Centre, and the Army to enhance the region’s tourism potential.
This ambitious push for northeastern tourism development marks a significant step toward diversifying India’s travel destinations while promoting sustainability and local economic growth.
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