Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Central Financial Assistance of Rs.363.29 crore for development of various projects in Jammu & Kashmir in the last three years and the current year.
In addition to the above, the State Government has informed that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE), Government of India, under its programs viz.[1] Special Area Demonstration Programme (SADP) [2]Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) also provide financial assistance for providing facilities to Vaishno Devi pilgrims. The State Government of Jammu & Kashmir also provides financial assistance along with the Shrine Board for providing facilities to Vaishno Devi pilgrims.
As per the State Government, in respect of above projects which are partially funded by the Central/State Government, a total of Rs.37.50 lakh has been released under the MNRE scheme and Rs.25.00 lakh released under JNNSM by the Union Government.
An amount of Rs.6.83 Crore is being utilized on water supply project which is funded in equal proportions by the State Government and the Shrine Board.
As per the State Government, estimated number of pilgrims that visited Vaishno Devi from 2010 to 2013 is as given below:-
Year====================================Number of Pilgrims in lakhs
2010====================================87.49
2011====================================101.15
2012====================================104.95
2013=====================================93.23
Development, promotion and implementation of tourism projects at identified tourism spots is primarily undertaken by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. However, Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance for tourism projects which are prioritized in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territories. The projects which are in accordance with the scheme guidelines are sanctioned subject to availability of funds and inter-se-priority.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) Shri K. Chiranjeevi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
In Addition To Above Tourism Minister also informed the house that The regulation and registration of the movement of tourist for controlling the crowd at tourist places and providing them essential facilities is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. However, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central financial assistance to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for development of essential facilities at tourist places. The Ministry also has a mandate to promote tourism in a sustainable and responsible manner. The National Tourism Policy states that neither over exploitation of natural resources should be permitted nor carrying capacity of the tourist sites ignored.