To give a boost to its local economy surrounding heritage sites, the state government is preparing a “pro-poor tourism development project” worth Rs 2,700 crore. The World Bank has already given its initial clearance for financial assistance to the project. The project targets Agra-Braj region and district falling under the Buddhist circuit. While the heritage site in Varanasi will surround Sarnath, it will be Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Baldeo and Govardhan in Mathura and Taj Mahal in Agra. [related-post] Sources said surveys are being conducted around these sites. “This is a priority project, where we plan to link tourism growth with job creation and development of the region,” said Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan. He added that the government hopes to complete the feasibility study in the next few months and sign an agreement with World Bank by June. The UP tourism department is the nodal agency for the implementation of the project.
