Lucknow: In a proposed tourism development plan worth nearly Rs 155 crore, the UP govt has plans to position Lucknow as the gateway to destinations such as Dudhwa National Park and Naimisharanya.The plan was discussed in detail in a meeting to review ongoing tourism and culture projects here on Monday.“The idea is to position Lucknow as the core and also crossroad of high-potential destinations,” said an official spokesperson.The review was chaired by tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh, along with additional chief secretary Amrit Abhijat.Together, they evaluated progress of 64 projects under development in six districts. Lucknow accounts for 22 proposals, followed by Sitapur with 15, Hardoi with 10, Lakhimpur Kheri with seven, and Unnao and Rae Bareli with five each.“We are looking at encouraging visitors arriving in Lucknow to extend their journey to destinations across the division, thereby increasing tourist footfall and average length of stay,” the minister said.“Rather than developing destinations in isolation, the focus is on creating an integrated tourism circuit with Lucknow as the gateway,” he added.Among other projects discussed, a key proposal is the Parampara One Stop Centre for tourism and culture, which is envisaged as a common gateway showcasing the destinations, traditions and heritage of Lucknow division under a single regional identity. The facility is expected to help visitors arriving in the state capital plan onward travel to Naimisharanya, Dudhwa and other lesser-known destinations.Among the flagship projects is an Eco Retreat near Dudhwa National Park in Lakhimpur Kheri to strengthen eco-tourism by providing improved accommodation and nature-based visitor experiences.In Unnao, govt has proposed redevelopment of the Rahi Tourist Bungalow inside Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary to improve facilities for birdwatchers.Sitapur’s proposals include two tourism corridors at Naimisharanya to improve movement between Lalita Devi Temple, Chakratirtha, Rajghat and key approach roads. Development has also been proposed at Sonasari Devi Temple, Maa Sankata Devi Dham and Jharkhandeshwar Mahadev Temple.Within Lucknow, projects have been proposed at Buddheshwar Mahadev Temple, Naka Hindola gurdwara, Hanumant Dham, Ram Janaki Temple and Buiyan Devi Temple to improve visitor amenities and accessibility.The minister directed officials to develop Parampara Centre, Naimisharanya corridors, Dudhwa Eco Retreat and the bird sanctuary accommodation as interconnected visitor experiences rather than standalone projects.The review also covered 38 ongoing culture department projects, including Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan in Gomti Nagar, museums and auditoriums, besides five proposals from the religious affairs department.
