Special Incentives for Wildlife Resorts

The Tourism Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, runs the "Special Incentives for Wildlife Resorts" scheme, which supports the growth of eco-tourism infrastructure in the state. Its main aim is to encourage the setting up of quality wildlife resorts within notified National Parks, Tiger Reserves and Sanctuaries. The scheme seeks to promote balanced, sustainable tourism and strengthen Madhya Pradesh's standing as a wildlife destination while keeping ecological responsibility intact.

Financial assistance under the scheme comes as a capital subsidy of 20% of the approved fixed capital investment. The maximum subsidy depends on the forest area category in which the resort is located, with ceilings between ₹1 crore and ₹3 crore. This tiered structure is intended to draw investment into varied and, at times, more difficult regions.

Applicants must satisfy minimum capital expenditure and room capacity requirements, which are set according to the classification of the forest zones. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board implements the programme, handling processing and oversight. Applications are routed through the state's online investment portal, which offers transparency and easier access for prospective tourism investors.

1. **Registration on the Invest Portal.** Go to the Madhya Pradesh Government's Invest Portal (https://sws.invest.mp.gov.in/) and begin registration under the category "Vendor / Investor". Provide the basic details sought, such as "Type of Organisation" (for instance, Private Limited, Proprietorship or Individual), "Firm/Company Name" and "Authorized Person Name".

2. **Creation of Account.** Furnish a valid email ID and mobile number. The application number, User ID, password and every important communication will be dispatched to the email ID and mobile number you have registered.

3. **Completion of Profile.** Once you have logged in for the first time using the User ID and password generated for you, update your profile so that the registration process stands fully completed.

4. **Obtaining Permissions and Setting Up the Resort.** Through the online single-window system, apply for and obtain every mandatory permission. Thereafter, carry out construction so as to fulfil the minimum capital expenditure requirements and begin commercial operations, taking care to collect all proofs of operation.

5. **Filing of Capital Subsidy Application.** File the capital subsidy application online through the portal within one year from the date of commencement of commercial operation. Upload every document that is required, following the stipulated format requirements (for example, JPG for photos).

6. **Verification and Processing of Claim.** The Tourism Department/Board will verify your application and documents, and will then process the subsidy claim.

The Tourism Department or Board screens every capital subsidy application in detail. Documents submitted are checked against the scheme's conditions — evidence of fixed capital investment, proof that commercial operations have begun, and confirmation that the unit meets the minimum room capacity and capital expenditure thresholds laid down for the forest area category.

Once the subsidy has been released, the unit's continued functioning is tracked. Should the unit shut down prematurely, the conditional repayment clauses in the scheme apply.