Uttar Pradesh launches major wellness initiative

Lucknow: In a strategic push to wellness tourism, UP govt is set to roll out a plan to develop a flagship International Yoga and Wellness Centre in Baghpat, an official spokesperson said on Monday.The ambitious project, spread over 150 acres on the edge of the National Capital Region, is being positioned as North India’s largest wellness hub.The state tourism department has called a stakeholder consultation on April 17 at Paryatan Bhawan in Lucknow to shape the project’s design, development and operations.Officials said the initiative reflects a shift towards experience-driven tourism, catering to the growing demand among urban travellers for short rejuvenation breaks as well as immersive wellness programmes rooted in Indian traditions.The proposed centre will focus on yoga, meditation, naturopathy and holistic therapies, combining traditional practices with global standards.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said, “The idea is to create a living ecosystem for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing that appeals to both domestic and international visitors.”The project is expected to be developed under a public-private partnership model, opening avenues for investors, hospitality players and wellness experts.The consultation will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including developers, operators and practitioners, to contribute to programme design and facility management.Additional chief secretary, tourism, Amrit Abhijat said the initiative is part of a broader plan to diversify tourism in the state. Similar wellness-focused projects are being developed in Gorakhpur, Naimisharanya and the Dudhwa belt to create a network of destinations.Officials believe the Baghpat project could position Uttar Pradesh as a key player in India’s fast-growing wellness tourism sector while generating local employment and investment opportunities.