Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Highlights Tourism and Eco-Tourism Efforts

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), June 26: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the state’s status as a major tourism destination in India. He noted that in the previous year, the state welcomed 48 crore tourists, with a significant number drawn to spiritual tourism.

Spiritual Tourism

In 2023, Kashi alone saw over 10 crore tourists. The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has also boosted tourism, attracting 1.5 to 2 lakh visitors daily. Other notable spiritual sites include Naimisharanya, Chitrakoot, Shukteerth, Vindhyavasini Dham, Maa Pateshwari Dham, and Maa Shakambhari Dham. Buddhist pilgrimage sites such as Kapilvastu, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, and Sankisa also draw many visitors.

Eco-Tourism and Heritage

Yogi Adityanath highlighted the state’s rich natural heritage, including the fossils park in Sonbhadra with fossils dating back 1.5 crore years. Uttar Pradesh has 15,000 square kilometers of forest area, including well-preserved forests in the Terai region. Efforts are underway to develop tiger reserves in Chuka, Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Chitrakoot, and Amangarh.

The Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board aims to promote eco-tourism, heritage tourism, and environmental awareness. A night safari is being developed near Kukrail in Lucknow, and efforts are being made to revive the Kukrail River, which has suffered from illegal construction and encroachments.

Environmental Conservation

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of responsible behavior to conserve the environment. He noted that tourism creates employment opportunities and that eco-tourism initiatives are attracting visitors to areas like Sohagi Barwa, Dudhwa, Chuka, and Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.