UP begins ground review of tourism, culture projects

In a move aimed at ensuring transparent use of public funds and timely delivery of tourism projects, the Uttar Pradesh Government on Monday began a statewide ground review of its proposed Tourism and Religious Affairs Action Plan for the 2026 to 2027 financial year.

UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh began the 18 division exercise with Agra and Aligarh, where 80 tourism and religious project proposals were taken up for detailed review. The process combines consultations with legislators and district administrations with physical inspection of proposed sites and ongoing construction works.

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The first meeting covered 58 tourism proposals across Agra, Mathura, Firozabad and Mainpuri with an estimated outlay of around ₹273 crore, three Dharmarth Karya proposals in Mathura estimated at nearly ₹245 crore and 19 tourism proposals across Aligarh, Kasganj, Etah and Hathras.

Proposals received from legislators were discussed with them during the meeting. The importance of each proposed site, its relevance to the area and its likely public impact were also taken into account as part of the review.

The minister directed officials to ensure that every proposal is supported by verified land records, site photographs, realistic technical estimates, historical or religious references wherever applicable and a clear assessment of its benefit to visitors and local communities. Responsibility should also be clearly fixed on the concerned department, district administration and executing agency at every stage, he said.

“Public money must translate into visible and useful facilities. Every proposal should have a clear site, verified records, a realistic cost and a responsible executing agency. The process must remain transparent from selection to completion so that citizens know what has been approved, why it has been taken up and who is accountable for its delivery,” Singh said.

Of the 58 tourism proposals placed by Agra Division, Mathura accounted for 17 projects estimated at around ₹118 crore. Mainpuri placed 11 proposals worth around ₹55 crore, Firozabad proposed 16 projects estimated at around ₹52 crore, while Agra submitted 14 proposals worth nearly ₹50 crore.

Major proposals for Mathura include integrated development of Baldev Tirth Kshetra, including a Tourism Facilitation Centre and approach road works, at an estimated cost of around ₹23 crore. Other proposals include nearly ₹21 crore for eco restoration of 36 religiously significant forests, around ₹15 crore for restoration of the rear precincts of Keshav Qila, around ₹10 crore for development along the Gokul Parikrama route and the Yamuna riverfront, and around ₹7 crore for restoration of Hansa Rani Ghat.

Ongoing tourism projects in Mathura estimated at around ₹91 crore were also taken up for review. Officials were asked to submit a clear account of physical and financial progress and expected completion timelines for each project. The minister set November as the timeline for completing priority ongoing projects and directed officials to maintain prescribed quality standards at every stage.

In Agra, major proposals include heritage conservation of the ancient temples at Bateshwar Dham under phase two, kiosks and visitor amenities at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial, restoration and beautification of Kothi Meena Bazaar and development of parking and other tourism facilities at Bateshwar Dham.

Firozabad proposed an estimated ₹15 crore for interior works, landscaping, gates and QR coded signage at the Arya Sanskriti Sankul in Sirsaganj. The action plan also includes phase two of the museum based on Baba Neeb Karori, tourism information centres along the district boundaries and visitor amenities at Mahua Wali Kalika Mata Temple in Shikohabad.

Among the major Mainpuri proposals are visitor infrastructure at Sheetla Mata Temple, a tourism informative thematic complex along the district boundaries, parking and other facilities near the cultural centre and development works at Ram Janaki Temple, Mankameshwar Temple and other religious sites.

The Religious Affairs Department placed three Mathura proposals estimated at nearly ₹245 crore before the minister. These include around ₹41 crore for restoration and development of 15 religious sites, including Narayan Sarovar, Kshir Sagar, Sankarshan Kund, Surabhi Kund, Rudra Kund, Prahlad Kund and Durvasa Rishi Temple.
The meeting also reviewed the proposed Shri Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj Corridor, estimated at around ₹150 crore.

Another proposal, estimated at over ₹50 crore, seeks public amenities at Durvasa Rishi Temple, Talvan Katha Pandal, Vanshivat, Markandeya Rishi Temple, Shani Dham, Jhadi Wale Hanuman Temple, Nari Semri Devi Temple and Sonai. UPRNNL was nominated as the executing agency for the proposed works in March 2026.

Aligarh Division placed 19 tourism proposals before the minister, including seven from Aligarh, three from Kasganj, four from Etah and five from Hathras. The proposals primarily seek multipurpose halls, lighting, public toilets, drinking water facilities, QR coded signage, visitor benches, pathways and landscaping at religious sites.

The proposed sites include Shri Mangleshwar Mahadev Temple in Jaiganj, Maa Durga Pathwari Temple in Khair, Kulijari Mata Temple at Bamnoi, Amar Gurudev Sthal at Nawabganj in Kasganj, the ancient Kansen Temple at Dariyavganj, Mata Sati Temple at Daulpura in Etah, Shri Raghunath Temple in Aliganj, Shri Laxminarayan Temple at Nagla Vijan Baramai and Shri Lalita Mata Temple at Purdilnagar in Hathras.

Singh also asked officials to maintain regular coordination with local MPs, MLAs and Members of the Legislative Council, keep them informed about project progress and ensure their participation in bhoomi pujan and foundation laying programmes.

Singh directed officials to ensure that land records, supporting documents and technical estimates are complete before submitting the final action plan. Joint field inspections were also ordered so that projects are selected on the basis of actual public need and ground conditions.

The meeting was attended by legislators, district administration officials and officers of the Tourism, Culture and Dharmarth Karya Departments from Agra and Aligarh divisions. Similar reviews will be conducted across all 18 divisions of Uttar Pradesh.