4 days ago
Before 2017, Bareilly witnessed riots every few months; today, Nath Corridor defines its identity: CM Yogi
Bareilly, August 6, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 545 development projects worth ₹2,264 crore in Nath Nagri, Bareilly. Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, the Chief Minister launched a sharp critique of the opposition's politics of appeasement. He said that certain anti-social elements had conspired to tarnish the image of the Kanwar Yatra, but their attempts failed in the face of public awareness and proactive administrative efforts. Today, the Yatra stands as a symbol of social unity.
Highlighting Bareilly's transformation, the Chief Minister said that lakhs of devotees now participate in Jalabhishek at the Nath Corridor, which is emerging as the new identity of the city. During the program, CM Yogi also handed over appointment letters to over 6,000 youth selected through the Rozgaar Mela, and distributed certificates and tablets to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes.
Referring to the Kanwar Yatra, he added, "Some individuals had tried to insult public sentiments and defame the tradition, but the alertness of society and the state's strong law-and-order machinery foiled such efforts."
'The double-engine BJP government is committed to blending heritage with development. Bareilly, which once suffered frequent communal riots before 2017, is now gaining fame for the Nath Corridor and spiritual tourism,' he stated.
The Chief Minister emphasized that government schemes are now reaching every section of society without any discrimination based on caste, religion, or region. 'This is the new India, marching ahead with the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Bareilly is progressing rapidly, and the double-engine government is striving to ensure happiness, prosperity, and inclusive development,' he said.
CM Yogi informed that Bareilly has been gifted 545 development projects worth ₹2,264 crore. This includes the inauguration of 222 projects worth ₹1,258 crore and the laying of the foundation stone for 322 projects worth ₹1,004 crore.
Key projects include the Nath Corridor, flood protection measures, bridges, bypass roads, road widening works, a Unani Medical College, rural drinking water supply schemes, as well as projects under the Power Department and Municipal Corporation.
The Nath Corridor project will see the development of iconic temples such as Alakhnath, Tripathinath, Gopeshwarnath, and Pashupatinath into prominent centers of spiritual tourism.
During the event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath handed over appointment letters to more than 6,000 youth selected through the Rozgaar Mela. Encouraging young individuals to take advantage of the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Yojana, he highlighted that under the scheme, eligible youth are being provided with collateral-free, interest-free loans—starting from ₹5 lakh, increasing to ₹7.5 lakh upon timely repayment, and further up to ₹10 lakh.
Taking a swipe at past regimes, CM Yogi Adityanath said that before 2017, government jobs were handed out like personal favours through 'uncle-nephew' networks and family ties. In sharp contrast, he noted, the current government has provided 8.5 lakh government jobs in the last eight years through a transparent, merit-based system — with over 12,000 posts secured by young women.
He appealed to public representatives to honor the selected youth and their families publicly to inspire others and foster a culture of aspiration. 'Earlier, jobs were limited to a select family. Today, opportunities are available to every deserving youth, without any discrimination,' he asserted.
Highlighting the law-and-order improvements, CM Yogi said, 'The state is now mafia-free and fear-free. Earlier, mafias used to be appointed district-wise; today, every district is being recognized for its progress—with initiatives like One District One Medical College and One District One Product.'
He emphasized that the double-engine BJP government is integrating heritage with modern development. 'Uttar Pradesh's infrastructure is being transformed through enhanced connectivity—via expressways, highways, metro projects, airports, and flyovers,' he noted.
Describing Bareilly as the sacred land of Lord Parshvanath, CM Yogi said that UP is the 'janmabhoomi and tapobhoomi' (birthplace and the place of enlightenment) of Lord Ram, Krishna, Buddha, and Jain Tirthankaras. 'We are preserving this spiritual heritage and integrating it with world-class infrastructure so that UP emerges as a leader not only spiritually and culturally but also economically.'
The Chief Minister inaugurated new projects, including the Ramganga Flood Protection, widening of Sanda Pal Marg, Unani Medical College, Municipal Corporation Office, Power Department Building, and Gas Conservation Projects, and also laid the foundation stone for several others.
CM Yogi also informed that, with central support, tourism development projects have been sanctioned for sites like Ramnagar Fort and Ahichhatra Parshvanath Digambar Jain Temple.
Reiterating the commitment to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, he emphasized that development benefits are being delivered to all citizens without any discrimination. Referring to his meeting earlier that morning with public representatives of Bareilly division, he said that the priorities for future projects are being shaped by their suggestions. These initiatives will accelerate development in Bareilly, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, and Budaun.
As a special gesture for women, CM Yogi announced free bus travel across the state on the occasion of Rakshabandhan (August 8, 9, and 10). This facility will be available in both city transport and UPSRTC buses, and will apply to women and their accompanying co-passenger.
Underscoring the importance of civic responsibility, he also announced a special cleanliness campaign to be held before Independence Day and Janmashtami.
Several prominent leaders and public representatives were present at the program, including Cabinet Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Dharmpal Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) JPS Rathore, Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister of State Sanjay Singh Gangwar, MP Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, District Panchayat President Rashmi Patel, Mayor Umesh Gautam, MLA Sanjeev Agarwal, Prof. Shyam Bihari Lal, Dr. Raghavendra Sharma, Dr. DC Verma, Dr. MP Arya, Legislative Council Member Dr. Jaipal Singh, Bahoran Lal Maurya, Hari Singh Dhillon, Kunwar Maharaj Singh.
