Boost to religious tourism in UP: Yogi-led development councils set up for Chitrakoot, Mirzapur

The Ma Vindhyavasini Temple, Vindhyachal, located in Mirzapur district, is a prominent religious place for Hindus, while Chitrakoot is another important religious hub.

The councils will be headed by the CM who will be the chairman, while Culture Affairs Minister Neelkanth Tewari will be the vice-chairman, a government spokesperson said after the meeting.

A state spokesperson said the Councils will work towards improving religious tourism in the regions and develop plans to promote it, based on their cultural and ecological legacy.

“This is being done with an intention to generate employment and develop the two places as world-class destinations,” said the spokesperson.

During the meeting, a proposal was approved to give exemption on stamp duty and registration fees to the joint venture company – Noida International Airport Limited – for leasing out land for the Jewar airport project.

The Cabinet also approved an allotment of 5,493 square metre Nazul land to the Culture Department for the development of the Dr BR Ambedkar Cultural Centre in Lucknow free of cost.

Also, a green signal was given to a proposal to distribute free saplings in order to ensure that 30 crore trees are planted across the state in 2021-22.

The decision has been taken with an aim to increase farmers’ income and improve the environment.

“Out of the 30 crore plants, 10.8 crore will be planted by the Forest Department, while 19.8 crore by different departments of the state government,” said state spokesperson.