The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a major step by entrusting private companies with the responsibility of operating and maintaining the state's prominent eco-tourism sites. For this, the Eco-tourism Development Board has invited proposals.
Lucknow: The operation and maintenance of the state's major eco-tourism sites will now be handed over to private companies. For this purpose, the Eco-tourism Development Board has invited proposals from private companies. These companies will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of guest houses, tourist facilitation centers, hotels, restaurants, and other facilities at these tourist sites, which will also provide financial benefits to the government. In the first phase, the board has identified 11 tourist sites in the state.
In a review meeting held last month, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had instructed that facilities provided by the government at tourist sites often turn into ruins over time due to a lack of maintenance. Therefore, arrangements should be made to ensure better facilities for tourists and the safety of buildings.
11 Major Tourist Sites in the First Phase
The Eco-tourism Board has identified 11 major sites in the state for the first phase. These sites include Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Ballia, Barabanki, Lalitpur, Banda, Jalaun, Kushinagar, Sitapur, Maharajganj, and Milkipur (Ayodhya). Private companies will be given the following responsibilities at these tourist sites:
- Operation of guest houses and tourist facilitation centers
- Management of hotels, restaurants, and other services
- Cleanliness and maintenance of the tourist site
- Ensuring an attractive and safe environment for tourists
This initiative is expected to bring financial benefits to the government and enhance the tourism experience at these sites.
CM Yogi's Directives
In the previous review meeting of the Eco-tourism Board, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had instructed that while guest houses, restaurants, and other facilities are available at the state's tourist sites, they often turn into ruins over time due to a lack of maintenance. The Chief Minister had stated, "Ensuring tourist convenience and the safety of buildings should be our priority. This will also aid in the development of tourism and enhance the state's reputation." In response, the Eco-tourism Board decided to hand over the operation of 11 sites to private companies.
Major Eco-tourism Sites and Attractions
- Ayodhya: Floating restaurant and Udhela Lake attract tourists.
- Chitrakoot: Ramnagar Lake and Madfa Fort are major attractions.
- Ballia: Siberian birds at Surha Tal Bird Sanctuary draw tourists' attention.
- Barabanki: Boating and natural scenery at Baghar Lake.
- Sitapur: Water sports and enjoying nature at Ajjepur Lake.
- Kushinagar: Peaceful environment and a wonderful view of birds at Sohrauna Tal.
- Jalaun: Confluence of five rivers at Pachnada and the presence of dolphins here.
- Lalitpur: Kakrawal Waterfall and the surrounding natural landscapes.
- Banda: Tourist facilitation center and Kalinjar Fort.
- Maharajganj: Devdah Eco-tourism site.
- Milkipur (Ayodhya): Natural site and guest house facilities.
In addition to activities such as boating, bird watching, and dolphin spotting at these sites, guided tours and comfortable accommodation will also be available. After being handed over to private companies, they will be responsible for the reconstruction and maintenance of these sites.
