West UP districts get spiritual tourism push with Rs 74 crore projects

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has stepped up its push to expand spiritual and heritage tourism in western UP districts, with projects worth over Rs 74 crore launched across Bareilly, Badaun and Kasganj.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh on Thursday and Friday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple tourism projects aimed at improving facilities for pilgrims and boosting tourism-led economic activity in the region.In Bareilly and Badaun, projects worth over Rs 52 crore were launched. The minister also reviewed the ambitious Rs 60-crore Nath Corridor project in Bareilly and directed officials to ensure timely completion of ongoing works.Among the key projects announced in Bareilly were integrated tourism development works at Ahichchhatra, ecotourism initiatives at Lilaur Lake and a Mahabharata-themed Draupadi Swayamvar Theme Park. Several temple redevelopment projects were also launched across the district.In Badaun, the spotlight remained on the Rs 17.92-crore Kachla Ganga Ghat redevelopment project, aimed at improving pilgrim amenities and strengthening riverfront tourism infrastructure. Temple development projects at several religious sites were also inaugurated.The tourism push later extended to Soron Shukar Kshetra in Kasganj district, where projects worth over Rs 22 crore were launched to upgrade pilgrimage infrastructure and develop Dariyavganj Lake as an ecotourism destination.Officials said over Rs 15 crore will be spent on beautification of ghats in Soron, including facade development, improved lighting, gateways and visitor amenities. Another Rs 3.52 crore has been earmarked for ecotourism development at Dariyavganj Lake, while additional funds will go towards tourism signage and wayfinding infrastructure in the pilgrimage region.