Jubilee Post News & Views
- 188 ancient temples revived in last 8 years, restoration efforts continue
- UP to strengthen tourism infrastructure with focus on heritage and rural tourism
- Agra, Firozabad, Gorakhpur, and Gonda to see restoration of seven historic temples
- Mainpuri’s Ghanta Ghar to get a makeover
- Rural tourism strategy chalked out for 8 villages in Mirzapur division
Lucknow.Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up for a major transformation of the tourism sector, with a special focus on reviving the state’s ancient Shiva temples. Collaborating with UP Tourism Department, UP Projects Corporation Limited, and UP State Tourism Development Corporation Limited, the state is planning several key projects to strengthen tourism infrastructure across various regions.
These initiatives aim to beautify religious and cultural sites, improve basic amenities, and promote rural tourism. Many of these temples, rich in heritage and spirituality, had long been neglected under previous governments, leaving them in poor condition.
Over the past eight years, the Yogi government has already rejuvenated and beautified 188 ancient temples across the state. The Chief Minister’s directive aims to boost religious tourism, generate local employment, and strengthen the economy around these sacred sites through temple restoration efforts.
Infrastructure upgrades are planned at Shiv Mandir in Bhatta Ki Pipri (Mevalikhurd), Fatehabad (Agra), and Chakleshwar Mahadev and Samaur Baba temples in Firozabad through UP Projects Corporation Limited. The UP State Tourism Development Corporation will enhance facilities at Bhuleshwar, Khajni Mahadev, and Jharkhandi Mahadev temples in Gorakhpur, and Tirre Manorama Temple in Gonda. These efforts aim to boost religious tourism while preserving local art and culture. Beautification of Ghanta Ghar in Mainpuri is also in the pipeline.
The government is actively promoting rural tourism in Mirzapur division, where an agency is being selected to draft a strategy and develop rural homestays in eight villages across Mirzapur, Bhadohi, and Sonbhadra districts. This initiative aims to attract tourists, empower local communities, and boost the rural economy. CM Yogi Adityanath has stressed that tourism will help promote local handicrafts, cuisine, and cultural activities.
One of the biggest advantages of these tourism projects is the creation of local employment opportunities. Sectors like hotels, restaurants, transportation, guide services, and handicrafts are seeing new job openings, especially benefiting women and youth. The Yogi government’s broader goal is to make Uttar Pradesh a trillion-dollar economy, with tourism playing a crucial role. The record tourist arrivals in Ayodhya, Kashi, and Prayagraj in 2024 show that the state is now making a strong mark on the global tourism map.
The government’s vision is to position Uttar Pradesh among India’s top tourism destinations. Efforts are also being made to promote heritage tourism, with plans to develop 11 heritage sites. These initiatives not only attract investors and open new opportunities but also ensure better facilities for tourists. With these efforts, Uttar Pradesh is set to emerge as a major tourism hub and a symbol of cultural and economic prosperity.
