Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday directed officials to view tourism as an engine for economic growth and employment generation rather than merely an infrastructure-building exercise.Chairing a review meeting of the tourism department, Yogi approved key amendments to the state’s Tourism Policy-2022.He also reviewed a series of heritage, cultural and spiritual tourism projects.Yogi said UP’s tourism strategy should be linked to cultural renaissance, local enterprise and global recognition.“Tourism has the potential to provide a fresh impetus to the state’s cultural economy by creating opportunities for local products, handicrafts, traditional arts, cuisine, culture and the service sector,” the CM said.Officials said the new concepts such as ‘Parampara’ Heritage Experience Centres, agri-tourism and vineyard tourism would be incorporated into the policy framework. Discussions were also held on developing the Neem Karoli Baba Circuit and the Bundelkhand Fort Circuit as new tourism destinations.Yogi said the revised policy should focus on attracting investment, generating employment and offering unique experiences to visitors. He stressed that tourism development should contribute directly to local economies while strengthening Uttar Pradesh‘s cultural identity.The meeting also reviewed progress under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which seeks to preserve India’s knowledge heritage through the conservation and digitisation of ancient manuscripts.Officials informed the CM that more than 13.7 lakh manuscripts had been surveyed, digitised or preserved so far. Yogi said preservation of manuscripts was not merely an archival exercise but an effort to connect future generations with India’s civilisational roots.The CM also reviewed the newly inaugurated Naval Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow and the under-construction INS Gomti Shaurya Museum.Officials said the museum would showcase the history of the Indian Navy, maritime traditions and the journey of INS Gomti through interactive galleries, simulators and experiential exhibits. Yogi directed that the facility be managed by the Lucknow Development Authority.Yogi also reviewed work on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Agra and directed officials to highlight Shivaji’s visit to Agra, his role in establishing Swarajya and the historical links between the Maratha Empire and Uttar Pradesh.He said the contribution of Ahilyabai Holkar to the restoration of Kashi Vishwanath temple and preservation of pilgrimage sites should also be prominently showcased.Reviewing the comprehensive development plan for Naimisharanya, the CM described it as a living centre of Vedic knowledge, spiritual practice and cultural heritage. He directed officials to pursue development works in mission mode while maintaining a balance between religious faith, environmental conservation and modern facilities.The proposed master plan includes a Veda Vigyan Centre, wellness facilities, riverfront development, pilgrim amenities and an interpretation centre designed to showcase Naimisharanya’s heritage through immersive technologies.The meeting also reviewed the integrated master plan for the Mirzapur-Vindhyachal region. Yogi directed officials to prepare for future pilgrim demand and undertake comprehensive development of the Trikon Parikrama area.He also called for an engaging presentation of the mythological story of Mata Sati near the Vindhyavasini Shakti Peeth and asked officials to explore private-sector participation for the project.The CM further reviewed conservation and enhancement works at the ancient Somnath Temple in Chitrakoot and stressed that heritage sites should be preserved without compromising their historical authenticity and architectural character.The CM said Uttar Pradesh’s spiritual, historical and cultural assets should be developed in a manner that enhances visitor experience while preserving their authenticity. He directed officials to adopt an integrated approach combining infrastructure development, heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and local community participation.The review meeting was attended by tourism minister Jaiveer Singh, chief secretary S P Goyal, additional chief secretary, tourism, Amrit Abhijat, and senior officials of the tourism department and related agencies.
