Special Incentives for Wildlife Resorts

The Tourism Department of the Government of Madhya Pradesh has introduced the "Special Incentives for Wildlife Resorts" scheme to support eco-tourism infrastructure across the state. Its stated aim is to encourage the development of quality wildlife resorts within designated National Parks, Tiger Reserves, and Sanctuaries, while promoting sustainable and balanced tourism that aligns with ecological considerations.

Financial assistance is offered as a capital subsidy covering 20% of the approved fixed capital investment. The maximum subsidy is tiered by forest area category, with ceilings ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹3 crore, designed to attract investment across varied and more demanding regions.

Applicants must meet minimum capital expenditure and room capacity requirements, which vary according to the classification of the forest zone. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board administers the programme, and applications are submitted through the state's online investment portal to ensure transparency and ease of access for prospective investors.

1. Register on the Invest Portal. Go to the Madhya Pradesh Government's Invest Portal (https://sws.invest.mp.gov.in/) and register as a "Vendor / Investor". Provide basic details such as "Type of Organisation" (for instance, Private Limited, Proprietorship, Individual), "Firm/Company Name", and "Authorized Person Name".
2. Create an account. Supply a valid email address and mobile number. Your application number, User ID, password, and all significant correspondence will be sent to the registered email and mobile number.
3. Complete your profile. After your first login using the generated User ID and password, update your profile to finish the full registration procedure.
4. Obtain permissions and establish the resort. Apply for and secure all required permissions through the online single-window system. Proceed with construction to satisfy the minimum capital expenditure thresholds and begin commercial operations, ensuring all evidence of operation is collected.
5. Submit the capital subsidy application. File the capital subsidy application online via the portal within one year of the date commercial operations commence. Upload all necessary documents, following the prescribed format requirements (e.g., JPG for photographs).
6. Verification and claim processing. The Tourism Department/Board will review your application and documents, and then process the subsidy claim.

Applications are reviewed by the Tourism Department/Board, which checks all submitted documents against the scheme’s conditions. This includes verifying proof of fixed capital investment, evidence that commercial operations have begun, and compliance with the minimum room capacity and capital expenditure thresholds for the relevant forest area category. After the subsidy is paid out, the unit’s ongoing operation is tracked, and repayment clauses apply if the business closes prematurely.