GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2690 ANSWERED ON 16.07.2019 CREATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SEA FORT TOURISM IN MAHARASHTRA 2690. SHRI SAMBHAJI CHHATRAPATI: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware that Maharashtra has fairly a good number of sea forts having potential for development as tourist attraction; (b) if so, the details thereof and plans Government has formulated to create proper infrastructure for sea fort tourism promotion; (c) whether Government has any timeline for tourism promotion and creation of infrastructure to access sea forts in Maharashtra; and (d) whether it is not necessary to constitute a co-ordination committee involving concerned Ministries of the Central Government and Departments of Maharashtra Government to give a push to sea fort tourism in Maharashtra? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL) (a) to (d): Yes, Sir. There are a number of Forts including Sea Forts in Maharashtra which have tourism potential. The following 10 Sea Forts in Maharashtra are under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): Sl. Name of Monuments Location / District No. 1. Suvarna Durg Dapoli / Ratnagiri 2. Jaygad Fort Jaygad / Ratnagiri 3. Sindhudurg Malvan / Sindhudurg 4. Vijaydurg Vijaydurg/ Sindhudurg 5. Bassein Fort Vasai / Thane 6. Arnala Fort Vasai / Thane 7. Alibag (Kolaba) Fort Alibag / Raigad 8. Korlai Fort Alibag / Raigad 9. Kasa Fort Murud / Raigad 10. Janjira Fort Murud / Raigad The prime concern of ASI is of archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation, maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance. ASI provides public facilities like drinking water, toilets, signage’s etc. as per approved conservation plan and availability of funds. Promotion and marketing of tourist sites/destinations/centres is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration. In addition, the State Government of Maharashtra has taken special measures to maintain forts by facilitating the development of forts as tourist centre and providing amenities at these sites. Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic tourism destination including its various tourism sites and products including the State of Maharashtra in international and domestic markets for exploiting its tourism potential. Ministry of Tourism under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes provides financial assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations/Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure and facilities in the country including Maharashtra. Ministry has constituted committees under the above schemes comprising of members from central Ministries and State Governments to evaluate the feasibility of projects being taken up by the Ministry for sanctioning and to synergize efforts being carried out by them. ****** .