Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched a major initiative to modernize, preserve, and enhance the state’s cultural and historical heritage by approving substantial funding for museums and memorial sites across multiple districts.
The move aims to upgrade key cultural institutions in Varanasi, Firozabad, Deoria, Lucknow, Jhansi, and Kushinagar, ensuring that Uttar Pradesh’s rich legacy is presented in a modern, engaging format for future generations while boosting cultural tourism.
Major Push for Cultural Infrastructure
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the government’s focus is not only on infrastructure development but also on preserving the state’s heritage in a modern and accessible form. He directed executing agencies to ensure quality standards and timely completion of all projects, warning that strict action would be taken in case of negligence or use of substandard materials.
Key Museum Projects Funded
As part of the initiative, several major projects have received funding:
- ₹2.60 crore for interior development and curation of the Munshi Premchand Memorial Museum and Library in Lamahi, Varanasi
- ₹4.40 crore for the Glass Museum in Firozabad
- ₹30 crore for development and beautification of the Shaheed Ramchandra Vidyarthi Memorial Site in Deoria
- ₹1.98 crore for modernization of the Children’s Gallery and landscaping at the State Museum in Lucknow
- ₹3 crore for development of the Government Museum in Jhansi
- ₹15 crore for the Buddhist Museum in Kushinagar, aimed at strengthening Buddhist tourism circuits
Officials said these investments are expected to significantly enhance heritage tourism and educational outreach across the state.
Major Upgrades in Lucknow State Museum
In State Museum Lucknow, several additional projects are underway, including the development of a cafeteria and library in the Old Kothi complex, backed by ₹4.59 crore. Another ₹4.60 crore has been allocated for strengthening basement storage facilities and installing modern storage systems, while ₹1.74 crore has been sanctioned for sewer line improvement, rainwater harvesting systems, and borewell installation.
Additionally, ₹1.59 crore has been approved for relocating and re-displaying foreign sculpture collections within the museum premises, a project that is reportedly near completion.
Strengthening Heritage and Tourism
The government emphasized that the initiative is designed to present Uttar Pradesh’s historical and cultural wealth in a more interactive and modern way. Officials said improved infrastructure, better curation, and enhanced visitor facilities will help attract more tourists and scholars.
The overall programme reflects a broader strategy to position Uttar Pradesh as a leading cultural and heritage tourism destination, while ensuring long-term preservation of its historical assets.
