Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is set to make the state’s heritage properties more useful and accessible to tourists, ensuring both their preservation and the generation of revenue. As part of this initiative, Chhatar Manzil in Lucknow, Chunar Fort in Mirzapur, and Baruasagar Fort in Jhansi will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This decision was approved by the state cabinet on Monday, as announced by Uttar Pradesh, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh.
He highlighted the immense potential for tourism in Uttar Pradesh, given its rich historical, cultural, religious, and natural heritage. He emphasized that the adaptive reuse of heritage properties through private investment will contribute to the state’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy. Under the PPP model, these ancient and heritage buildings will be repurposed as heritage hotels, resorts, museums, and tourism hospitality units. Previously, three other heritage properties—Barsana Water Palace in Mathura, Kothi Roshan-ud-Daula in Lucknow, and Baradari near Shukla Talab in Kanpur—are already being developed under this model.
The selected properties Chhatar Manzil (5.55 acres) in Lucknow, Chunar Fort (21.94 acres) in Mirzapur, and Baruasagar Fort (7.39 acres) in Jhansi will be leased under the PPP model. The contracts allow for an initial lease of 30 years, with the possibility of two extensions of 30 years each, for a maximum period of 90 years. The chosen developers will preserve the historical, cultural, and religious significance of these sites while promoting them to tourists. Religious sites within the heritage properties will be restored, and access roads will be improved. Developers will also adopt nearby villages to encourage local development and job creation, with a mandate to employ at least 25% local residents.
Additionally, a mart showcasing One District One Product (ODOP) goods will be established on these sites, along with display areas highlighting the historical importance of the heritage properties. These areas will remain open to the public, offering tourists not only insight into the region’s rich history but also the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine. In a separate initiative, Jaiveer Singh announced that a Yoga and Wellness centre will be established in Baghpat district under the PPP model. The Cabinet has approved the acquisition of 68.40 hectares of land for this project, along with the free transfer of 1.069 hectares of Gram Sabha land to the Tourism Department.
These initiatives reflect Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to preserving its heritage while boosting tourism and economic growth through innovative partnerships.
