Gonda: Religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh’s Devipatan division is set for a major boost, with the state government reviewing 16 proposed tourism projects estimated at around ₹18.35 crore for Gonda, Bahraich, Balrampur and Shravasti.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh reviewed proposed and ongoing projects of the Tourism, Culture and Charitable Affairs departments at the Maharaja Suheldev Auditorium in Gonda on Friday. He directed officials to ensure quality construction, timely completion and close coordination with elected representatives.
The projects are aimed at improving facilities for pilgrims, strengthening infrastructure at major religious destinations and connecting important places of faith with modern tourism amenities.
Focus on Major Religious Sites
Gonda accounts for the largest share, with seven projects proposed for the development and beautification of religious sites including Maa Nadna Devi Temple, Jambudweep (Ram Janki Temple), Advait Swaroop Ashram (Shankar Ji Temple), Bhagwan Kapil Muni Ashram, Bhakti Dham and Char Dham.
The minister stressed that tourism development should go beyond infrastructure creation and preserve the religious, cultural and historical identity of each destination while improving the overall visitor experience.
He directed officials to complete all ongoing projects costing up to ₹1 crore by November 2026, while projects costing up to ₹1.5 crore should be completed within six months. Quality, he said, must remain the highest priority.
₹22.18 Crore Chhapai Project Reviewed
Progress on the major tourism development project at Swaminarayan Chhapai Dham in Gonda was also reviewed. The project, being implemented at an estimated cost of ₹22.18 crore, includes expansion of visitor facilities, attractive facade lighting of the temple complex and modern amenities for pilgrims and tourists.
The initiative is intended to develop Chhapai Dham as a prominent spiritual and religious tourism destination and enhance the experience of visitors.
In Bahraich, development plans for Pragya Shiv Shakti Temple, ancient Janglinath Temple, Jagamrava Baba Temple and Samay Mata Temple were reviewed. In Balrampur, the development of Samay Mata Temple was discussed, while proposals for expanding visitor amenities and infrastructure at Battha Kuti and Sitadwar in Shravasti also came under consideration.
Ramleela Grounds and Ancient Shiva Temples
The Culture Department presented proposals for the beautification and redevelopment of Ramleela grounds in Gonda and Balrampur. Progress on the Maharaj Paramhans Bariyadih Ramleela Ground, being developed at a cost of around ₹3.39 crore, was also reviewed.
The Charitable Affairs Department presented four key proposals related to the conservation, beautification and redevelopment of religious heritage sites. These include Gorinath Shivala in Gonda, Shiv Bageshwarnath Temple in Bahraich, and the ancient Pandav-era Munda Shivala Temple and another ancient Shiva temple in Shravasti.
The projects are intended to preserve religious heritage while providing better facilities to devotees.
Emphasis on Monitoring and Timely Completion
The minister also reviewed the progress of projects approved and under construction during 2024-25 and 2025-26. He instructed officials to conduct regular field inspections, continuously monitor construction quality and ensure completion within stipulated timelines.
Singh said the Devipatan division review is part of the broader tourism development campaign being undertaken across all 18 divisions of Uttar Pradesh. The initiative seeks to preserve the state’s religious and cultural heritage, expand tourism infrastructure and establish Uttar Pradesh among India’s leading tourism destinations.
