U.P. to develop ‘heritage arc’

With an intention to boost tourism in Uttar Pradesh, the state government will develop a “heritage arc” involving Agra, Lucknow and Varanasi on the lines of ‘Agra-Jaipur-Delhi triangle’

“Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi will be developed as a ‘heritage arc’ by improving infrastructure, including roads, pathways and condition of monuments, among other things, to attract tourists in a big way,” Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav told reporters after a meeting of the Tourism Promotion Council here.

Stressing that tourism has a direct impact on the economy and image of the state and job creation and investments, the Chief Minister said tourism infrastructure development projects like proper facilities for tourists, training of guides and setting up of information centres will be taken up.

Yadav said in the first phase, three square kms around the Taj Mahal will be developed. In Lucknow, proper lighting of Rumi Darwaza, Ghantaghar and other monuments will be done and the change will be seen by Diwali, he said.

In Varanasi, restoration of ghats, bylanes and historical sites will be undertaken, he said, adding that a Mughal museum and theme park in Agra are coming up and light and sound show will be revived at Residency in Lucknow.

“There were also suggestions in the meeting for developing Lucknow as a ‘green city’,” he said, adding that the state capital has everything needed for attracting tourists like heritage, culture, food and architecture.

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