SWADESH DARSHAN 2.0 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

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

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• About: The scheme was envisioned to synergize with other government schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, and Make in India with the idea of positioning the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation, the driving force for economic growth, building synergy with various sectors to enable tourism to realize its potential.
• Aim: To promote, develop and harness the potential of tourism in India.
• Launched: In 2014-15 for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tourism and Culture
• Some of the prominent circuits:  Buddhist Tourist Circle, Ambedkar Tourist Circle, and the North-East Tourist Circle.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0

• About: The program has been revitalized with the "vocal for local" philosophy and aims to offer financial assistance for enhancing tourist infrastructure.
• Prominent places identified are: Jhansi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Gwalior, Chitrakoot and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Situated near the Hirakud Dam in the Bargarh district of Odisha.
• Wildlife Sanctuary Designation: In 1985, it was officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary to preserve its ecological and historical importance.
• Vegetation: Characterized by dry deciduous mixed forests, the sanctuary boasts a diverse range of plant life.
• Flora: Sal, Asana, Bija, Aanla, Dhaura, among others, contributing to the rich botanical diversity.
• Fauna: Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Hyena, Spotted Deer, Antelopes, Sambar, Gaur, Nilgai, Bison, Langur Monkeys, and more, thriving within the dense forest environment.