CM Yogi on Thursday reviewed the progress of various projects of the state tourism department.

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath On Thursday directed officials to look at tourism as an engine of economic growth and job creation rather than merely an infrastructure creation exercise.While presiding over the review meeting of the Tourism Department, Yogi approved major amendments in the state’s Tourism Policy-2022.He also reviewed a series of heritage, cultural and spiritual tourism projects.Yogi said that UP’s tourism strategy should be linked to cultural renaissance, local enterprise and global recognition.“Tourism has the potential to provide a new impetus to the cultural economy of the state by creating opportunities for local products, handicrafts, traditional arts, cuisine, culture and service sector,” the CM said.Officials said new concepts like ‘tradition’ heritage experience centres, agri-tourism and vineyard tourism will be included in the policy framework. There was also discussion on developing Neem Karoli Baba Circuit and Bundelkhand Fort Circuit as new tourist destinations.Yogi said the revised policy should focus on attracting investment, generating employment and providing unique experiences to visitors. He stressed that tourism should directly contribute to local economies by strengthening development Uttar PradeshCultural identity of.The meeting also reviewed the progress under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which aims to preserve India’s knowledge heritage through conservation and digitization of ancient manuscripts.Officials told the CM that more than 13.7 lakh manuscripts have been surveyed, digitized or preserved so far. Yogi said that preservation of manuscripts is not just an archival exercise but an effort to connect future generations with the roots of India’s civilization.The CM also reviewed the newly constructed Naval Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow and the under-construction INS Gomti Shaurya Museum.Officials said the museum will 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 this facility should be managed by Lucknow Development Authority.Yogi also reviewed the work of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Agra and directed officials to highlight Shivaji’s visit to Agra, his role in the establishment of Swarajya and the historical ties between the Maratha Empire and Uttar Pradesh.He said that Ahilyabai Holkar’s contribution in the restoration of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and conservation of pilgrimage sites should also be prominently displayed.Reviewing the comprehensive development plan of Naimisharanya, the CM described it as a vibrant center of Vedic knowledge, spiritual practice and cultural heritage. He directed the officials to carry forward the development works in mission mode while maintaining a balance between religious faith, environmental protection and modern facilities.The proposed master plan includes a Veda Vigyan Centre, welfare facilities, riverfront development, pilgrim facilities and an interpretation center designed to showcase the heritage of Naimisharanya through immersive technologies.The integrated master plan for Mirzapur-Vindhyachal region was also reviewed in the meeting. Yogi directed the officials to prepare for the demand of pilgrims in future and comprehensively develop the Trikon Parikrama area.He also called for an attractive presentation of the mythological story of Mata Sati near Vindhyavasini Shakti Peeth and asked the officials to explore private sector participation for the project.The CM reviewed the 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 that the spiritual, historical and cultural assets of Uttar Pradesh should be developed in such a way that the experience of visitors is enhanced while maintaining their authenticity. He directed the officials to adopt an integrated approach combining infrastructure development, heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and local community participation.Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, Chief Secretary SP Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Amrit Abhijat and senior officials of the Tourism Department and related agencies were present in the review meeting.