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Uttar Pradesh Approves Funds to Develop Lesser Known Tourism Spots

Source:Indian Express ↗

Why It Matters

Important for UPPSC aspirants tracking state-specific developmental initiatives, cultural geography, and heritage tourism promotion policies in Uttar Pradesh.

Summary

The Uttar Pradesh government has cleared a massive financial outlay of Rs 1,425 crore to develop lesser-known tourist destinations across the state, such as Bateshwar in Agra, Lamhi in Varanasi, Amethi, and Maharajganj. This policy push seeks to expand the state's tourism landscape beyond conventional hubs, highlighting cultural, literary, and eco-tourism circuits.

Key Points

  • The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a multi-crore investment plan (Rs 1,425 crore) to develop lesser-known tourist destinations across the state.
  • Targeted locations include Bateshwar (Agra), Lamhi (Varanasi - birthplace of Munshi Premchand), Amethi, and Maharajganj, among others.
  • The initiative aims to boost rural and cultural tourism, diversify visitor footfalls away from saturated mega-sites, and promote local handicrafts and economies.

Important Terms

Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation

A state government undertaking established in 1974 to promote tourism, build infrastructure, and manage tourist accommodation, transport, and package tours across Uttar Pradesh.

UPSC context

Important for UPPSC GS Paper V/VI (UP Economy and Tourism Infrastructure). Tests knowledge of state-level institutional mechanisms for heritage promotion and economic growth.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Uttar Pradesh - Geography, Economy, and Culture

What are the key literary and historical circuits promoted by the UP Tourism Department?

  • Braj Circuit: Braj Circuit covers Agra, Mathura, and Bateshwar focusing on heritage and spiritual tourism.
  • Literary Circuit: Literary Circuit encompasses Lamhi (Munshi Premchand's birthplace) and Jayasi birthplace for cultural heritage.
  • Eco-Tourism Circuit: Eco-Tourism Circuit targets forest regions like Maharajganj and Dudhwa for sustainable nature tourism.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Literary Tourism Circuits & UP Cultural Policy

    UPPSC frequently links literary figures (Munshi Premchand, Jayasi) and their birthplaces with tourism circuit development funds in mains GS-5.

  • Eco-Tourism Expansion & Forest Conservation Districts

    Eco-tourism integration in districts like Maharajganj connects forest conservation efforts with rural livelihood schemes in state budgets.

Expect matching questions on lesser-known UP heritage sites (Bateshwar, Lamhi, Maharajganj) and their specific cultural/literary associations.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2020UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following cities of Uttar Pradesh is/are covered under the 'Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)' ? 1. Varanasi 2. Mathura 3. Prayagraj 4. Ayodhya Select the correct answer from the codes given below.

  • 2023UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following cities of Uttar Pradesh is not included as the venue for 11 meetings of 200 sessions of G-20 during India's Presidency of the grouping?