Daily Current Affairs : 5-January-2024

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Tourism in 2015, is a visionary step towards fostering sustainable and responsible tourism destinations across India.

Funding Mechanism:

This scheme operates on a 100% centrally funded model, providing financial assistance to State governments, Union Territory Administrations, or Central Agencies for the development of tourism infrastructure. The operation and maintenance responsibility lie with the respective State Government or UT Administration.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0): A Comprehensive Approach to Development

Overview: The recently revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 focuses on comprehensive development, addressing key areas such as tourism and allied infrastructure, tourism services, human capital development, and destination management and promotion.

Objectives: The primary objectives include encouraging increased private sector investment in tourism and hospitality, promoting Public Private Partnerships (PPP), and facilitating the operation and maintenance of created assets through policy and institutional reforms.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: A Gem in the Swadesh Darshan Crown

Location: Situated in the Bargarh district of Odisha, near the Hirakud dam on the Mahanadi River, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary holds a special place in the Swadesh Darshan scheme.

Significance: The sanctuary, declared in 1985, is not only known for its rich biodiversity but also holds historical significance due to its association with freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.

Vegetation and Wildlife: Encompassing dry deciduous mixed forests, the sanctuary boasts an abundance of flora, including Sal, Asana, Bija, Aanla, Dhaura, and more. Its rich biodiversity includes inhabitants like Tigers, Sloth Bears, Leopards, Hyenas, Spotted Deer, Antelopes, Sambar, Gaur, Nilgai, Bison, Langur Monkeys, among others.

Important Points:

Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Nurturing Sustainable Tourism

  • Initiated by Ministry of Tourism in 2015
  • Aims to foster sustainable and responsible tourism
  • 100% centrally funded scheme
  • Provides financial assistance for tourism infrastructure
  • Operation and maintenance responsibility with State Government or UT Administration

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0): A Comprehensive Approach to Development

  • Recently revamped version
  • Focuses on tourism and allied infrastructure, services, human capital development, and destination management
  • Backed by policy and institutional reforms
  • Objectives include increased private sector investment, promotion of PPP, and asset maintenance

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: A Gem in the Swadesh Darshan Crown

  • Located in Bargarh district of Odisha, near Hirakud dam
  • Historical significance due to association with freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai
  • Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985
  • Encompasses dry deciduous mixed forests
  • Rich biodiversity including Tigers, Sloth Bears, Leopards, and various other species

Inclusion in SD2.0 Scheme

  • Positive step towards sustainable tourism
  • Harnesses natural and historical richness for both tourists and local community
Why In News

The Tourism Ministry, recognizing the ecological significance and natural beauty of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, has proudly included it in the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, further enhancing the promotion of sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation in the region.

MCQs about Swadesh Darshan 2.0

  1. What is the primary objective of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme?
    A. Wildlife Conservation
    B. Sustainable and responsible tourism
    C. Infrastructure maintenance
    D. Historical preservation
    Correct Answer: B. Sustainable and responsible tourism
    Explanation: The Swadesh Darshan Scheme aims to foster sustainable and responsible tourism destinations across India.
  2. Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, who is responsible for the operation and maintenance of tourism infrastructure?
    A. Ministry of Tourism
    B. State Government or UT Administration
    C. Central Agencies
    D. Private Sector
    Correct Answer: B. State Government or UT Administration
    Explanation: The operation and maintenance responsibility lies with the respective State Government or UT Administration.
  3. What are the key focus areas of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)?
    A. Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Protection
    B. Human Capital Development and Infrastructure
    C. Historical Preservation and Promotion
    D. Financial Assistance and Funding
    Correct Answer: B. Human Capital Development and Infrastructure
    Explanation: Swadesh Darshan 2.0 focuses on comprehensive development, including human capital development and infrastructure.
  4. Where is the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary located?
    A. Ranthambore National Park
    B. Bargarh district of Odisha
    C. Sundarbans Delta
    D. Kaziranga National Park
    Correct Answer: B. Bargarh district of Odisha
    Explanation: The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Bargarh district of Odisha, near the Hirakud dam on the Mahanadi River.

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