Akhilesh Yadav sets plan in motion to put Jaunpur on tourism map

A team of officials from the tourism department has been asked to visit Jaunpur and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) regarding the restoration and conservation of the monuments. These include Atala Masjid, Masjid Lal Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Shahi Qila and graves of Sharqi dynasty members among others.
“The chief minister has instructed us to conserve historical buildings in Jaunpur. Our team will reach Jaunpur in two days to inspect the buildings. The area has good tourist potential. A special package will be announced after the DPR is submitted,” said Principal Secretary (Tourism) Navneet Sehgal.

On January 16, Akhilesh had held a meeting with tourism officials, directing them to come up with a time-bound scheme to develop monuments in Jaunpur. He had reportedly told the officials that Jaunpur had an illustrious history and it is necessary to conserve its historical buildings for future generations.

The department plans to provide amenities like better sanitation, light and sound show and road connectivity. Its main aim is to ensure that tourists who visit Varanasi, also come at Jaunpur. “The actual tourism potential of Jaunpur has not been tapped. We will bring it on tourism map of the state,” Sehgal said.
Jaunpur was ruled by the Sharqi dynasty from 1394 to 1479 before it was annexed to the Delhi Sultanate. During this period, several monuments, including mosques, fort and bridges were constructed.

At present, monuments in Jaunpur fall under Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Sarnath Circle.

“As many as 16 monuments in Jaunpur district are under our control. Out of these, three are in Jafrabad and 13 in Jaunpur city. But we have only one ticketing site — Shahi Fort,” said K C Srivastava, Superintendent Archaelogist of ASI (Sarnath Circle).

The total annual income from ticket sales at Shahi Fort is Rs 1 lakh. While adult Indians are charged Rs 5, foreigners have to pay Rs 100. “Since children below 15 years of age are free to visit, the actual footfall at the fort is not known,” Srivastavsa said.

He added that ASI undertakes three types of work at Jaunpur monuments — routine cleanliness, tourist amenities and special repairs. Asked about the government initiative, Srivastava said: “It depends on the type of proposal the government floats. It has to come from the level of ASI DG.”

“The ASI will be taken into confidence and all work done according to its directions… The main aim is to preserve the historical buildings and enhance tourist footfall,” said Sehgal.