Ayodhya on the fast track to development as a religious tourism destination
On the sidelines of the ‘Deepotsav 2021’ held at Ayodhya, TTJ interacted with Mukesh Kumar Meshram (I.A.S.), the Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to know more about the current developments in Ayodhya, which is emerging as a significant religious tourism hub.
Ayodhya, the city of Lord Ram, is currently undergoing a metamorphosis. Located on the banks of the holy Saryu river, Ayodhya has always been an integral part of Hindu religious belief and culture. With the construction of the ‘Ram Janam-Bhoomi Temple’ now in full swing and the sharper focus of both the central and state governments on the development of religious tourism circuits within the country, the rejuvenation of Ayodhya is underway.
Ensuring that the ‘Vision’ of the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Aditya Nath crystallises, the ground efforts are being spearheaded by Mukesh Kumar Meshram (I.A.S.), the Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Enlightening more on Ayodhya, Meshram elaborated, “Ayodhya is the city of Ram, Sita, and Laxman and not a myth or mythological city as a few historians, archaeologists, architects, or people tend to suggest at times. The story of Ram as enshrined in the RamCharitra–Manas and the Valmiki Ramayana teaches us a lot. The whole endeavour of this redevelopment is to ensure the transfer of values, virtues, morals, and ethics for the generations to come.”
Meshram further shared, “The vision of new Ayodhya is to recreate and interweave the various facets of Ramayana, carefully blending religious tourism with learning and making it an inclusive destination for all. Towards this endeavour not only basics like city beautification and cleaning, creating more parking spaces, widening of roads, solid waste management, and sewage treatment will be looked at, but also Ramayana-based theme parks for children, digital museums and sound and light shows will be set up. Better accommodation will be created both in the star rated and budget categories.”
Twelve hundred acres of land have been acquired and will be offered to both foreign countries and Indian states to set up their cultural centres, guest houses and emporiums. Land parcels would also be allocated to various Hindu sects and subsects at Ayodhya to establish their matth’s and ashrams enhancing Ayodhya’s stature as a centre of Vedic learning. The streets and avenues of Ayodhya will be planted with trees and shrubs as described in the Ramayana. The Ayodhya Research Institute established a few years ago is actively involved in research and has tieups with various universities worldwide. It actively offers Ph.D. scholarships and fellowships to enhance research and understanding of Ramayana.
Speaking about the plans for ensuring better access to Ayodhya, Meshram shares, “Ayodhya is already a railhead, and the city is also well connected with Lucknow via a four-lane highway and will be very soon connected through the
Purvanchal
Expressway with Varanasi. Also, plans are underway to create an international airport at Ayodhya within the next two years.
“The 5 Kosi, 14 Kosi and 84 Kosi Parikrama circuits around Ayodhya are being revived with better amenities, refreshment areas and rest houses to facilitate a smooth experience for the pilgrims.”
To benefit the hoteliers investing in Ayodhya, the government is waiving the stamp duty at the time of registration. Also, land-use change is being allowed without any land-use conversion charges. The state government will also offer up to a 20 per cent subsidy on projects. To encourage all-inclusive growth and create employment in hotels for the local population, the state government will bear 50 per cent of the EPF contribution. In the case of women and people with disabilities, the state government will cover 100 EPF contributions. The government has created a positive investment environment and simplified the process and already many hoteliers are queuing up with their projects.
“The goal is to put Ayodhya on the international tourist map with world-class infrastructure and promote it as a centre for Vedic and Ramayana learning without disturbing the essence of Ayodhya as the city of Sri Ram,” concludes Meshram.