HYDERABAD: The Ministry of Tourism has clarified that it does not operate a dedicated scheme to promote industrial tourism at sites such as NTPC Ramagundam Thermal Power Plant and coal mining operations in Bellampalli.
In a written reply to a Lok Sabha question, Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the development and promotion of tourism destinations, including industrial tourism, is primarily the responsibility of state governments.
Responding to a question raised by Mancherial MP Vamsi Krishna Gaddam, the minister stated that while there are no specific timelines, funds or projects exclusively earmarked for industrial tourism in these areas, states can leverage existing schemes by the Union government, such as Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, the Challenge-Based Destination Development scheme and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment programme.
Under Swadesh Darshan, Telangana has received funding for multiple thematic circuits, including ecotourism, tribal and heritage circuits.
‘Onus on states’
The minister also highlighted support under SASCI and PRASHAD for several tourism projects and pilgrimage centres in Telangana.
While no specific industrial tourism initiatives were announced for Ramagundam and Bellampalli, Shekhawat said that states can propose projects under existing schemes.