With Kumbh, UP to be most preferred tourist destination, says Yogi

GORAKHPUR :Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said in just 22 months of his government Uttar Pradesh had bagged second position in tourism in the country.

He added that Uttar Pradesh would notch the top position once the Kumbh started in Prayagraj.

Attacking the previous governments for neglecting tourism despite enough and famous tourist spots and major religious sites in the state, the chief minister said, “There had always been great possibilities of eco tourism, spiritual tourism and religious tourism but previous governments didn’t do much to promote it”.

He said earlier people feared visiting Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura.

“Now, the situation has changed completely. We have achieved second rank in tourism and with Kumbh, Uttar Pradesh will be the most preferred tourism destination.

It will be on top, ushering in development and creating more job opportunities in the state. The chief minister expressed these views while addressing the concluding ceremony of Gorakhpur Mahotsav at DDU Gorakhpur University sports ground.

Tourism minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi was also present on

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There had always been great possibilities of eco tourism, spiritual tourism and religious tourism but previous governments didn’t do much to promote it YOGI ADITYANATH, CM UP

the occasion. Yogi later talked to locals and allowed children to click selfie with him.

He said even he United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) had recognised Kumbh as world heritage and ambassadors of 71 countries had installed their countries’ flags at Kumbh accepting its global recognition.

He said the area of Kumbh fair had been increased from 1,700 acres to 3,200 acres while 1.22 thousands bio toilets had also been arranged at the venue.

Besides, over 264 roads and streets have undergone widening and repair work even as 20,000 pandal had been erected to provide temporary accommodation to devotees.

Integrated security system had been put in place to handle lawlessness, the chief minister added.