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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tourism tracker to monitor inflow of tourists in Prayagraj
1 2 Prayagraj: To highlight the Sangam city on the world's religious tourism map after the recently held Mahakumbh, the state govt is all set to develop Prayagraj as the 'City of Temple Corridor'. The state govt has already released a tourism tracker to analyse and monitor tourism activities in and around city. This tourism tracker includes the monthly number of domestic and foreign tourists, the status of hotels, restaurants, and transportation, the display of tourist spots, upcoming events, and the progress of projects such as Ardh Kumbh, conclave, festivals etc. This method also helps in deciding which areas need more investment or improvement so that the devotees and tourists coming here can get a well-organised, grand experience of temples and religious places. Regional Tourism Officer (Prayagraj) Aparajita Singh says, "In view of the upcoming Ardh Kumbh, the govt intends to start preparing projects for the preparations from now on." The Tourism Department, Prayagraj Development Authority, Prayagraj Municipal Corporation and Mela Authority have been directed by govt to prepare project proposals for the preparations of the upcoming Ardh Kumbh. She further added, "In view of the experience gained from Mahakumbh 2025, administration now wants to expand amenities outside the city limits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wildlife Cameras Capture The Unthinkable Ohi Blog Undo For this, a land bank will be prepared in which facilities like parking, rest houses, cafeterias, and toilets will be developed. For this, there is a proposal to acquire land and develop it on a Triple P model." After Mahakumbh, the expected increase in the number of tourists in Prayagraj was not seen. For this, dialogue with major tour operators, travel agencies, and representatives of the hotel industry across the country is necessary. For this purpose, a mega tourism conclave will soon be organised in the city. This initiative will not only strengthen the religious and cultural identity of the city but will also increase employment and business opportunities related to tourism. Earlier, three tourism conclaves were organised in the city and recorded an overwhelming response. Experts claimed that in order to ensure the continuous arrival of tourists in Prayagraj, it is necessary to increase the number of quality hotels and homestays along with development of infrastructure. Aparajita, keeping this in view in the tourism tracker, said that efforts will be made to make the process of NOC for hotels smoother. Currently, there are 124 homestays in Prayagraj, and their number and facilities will be increased. For the first time, to make 'dharamshalas' available to tourists, their registration in the tourism department will also be considered. PAparajita Singh, meanwhile, says that a corridor of temples was created by combining 11 major temples, including the neglected Dwadash Madhav in the city, for which adequate funds were received. The govt is now preparing a proposal to organise various cultural events like Ganga Aarti and cultural evenings in these temples and the concrete ghats built around them. A plan is being made to protect the temple corridor from encroachment by vendors. Signages in many languages will be installed around the ghats and temples. The Municipal Corporation will issue a tender for this. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Tourism makeover for Prayagraj, poised to emerge as ‘City of Temple Corridors'
In a major push to boost religious tourism, authorities are planning to promote Prayagraj as the 'City of Temple Corridors.' The initiative aims to enhance the city's spiritual appeal in the aftermath of Mahakumbh-2025 and set the stage for Ardh Kumbh 2031, informed officials on Tuesday. Bade Hanuman temple corridor in Prayagraj (HT PHOTO) Prayagraj's regional tourism officer Aparajita Singh said the initiative will focus on promotion and developing newly constructed temple corridors while integrating key religious sites across the city. These measures are designed to enhance the pilgrim experience and draw visitors from across India and abroad, she added. As a part of the initiative, the state has introduced a Tourism Tracker—a digital tool designed to monitor tourism trends, analyse visitor data, and evaluate the performance of major religious and tourist destinations in the region. It will provide monthly insights on domestic and international footfall, accommodation occupancy, transport logistics, and event execution,' officials explained, adding, 'It will also help identify areas that need attention or investment, ensuring a more seamless experience for pilgrims and visitors alike.' Corridors and cultural revival A key focus of the initiative is to promote temple corridors developed ahead of the Mahakumbh-2025, which involves revamping and connecting prominent yet long-neglected temples, including the Dwadash Madhav cluster, with an investment of over ₹129 crore. Corridors like the Bade Hanuman Temple near Sangam, Akshayvat and Saraswati Well, and Bhardwaj Ashram developed at the time would also be publicised. Officials are also planning to organise Ganga Aarti and cultural evenings at these sites, along with installing multilingual signage and safeguarding the corridors from unauthorised vendor encroachments. Tenders for signage will be issued by the municipal corporation, said officials. Preparing for Ardh Kumbh-2031 In anticipation of Ardh Kumbh 2031, early groundwork is already underway. Officials shared that project proposals for infrastructure, hospitality, and event management are being prepared in coordination with the tourism department, Prayagraj Development Authority, municipal corporation, and the Prayagraj Mela Authority. The administration is also planning to establish a land bank to facilitate the construction of essential facilities—such as parking lots, public restrooms, rest houses, and cafeterias—outside city limits. These projects will be executed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model after land acquisition. Tourism conclaves and industry engagement Despite successfully hosting past Kumbh events, Prayagraj has yet to see a proportional rise in year-round tourism. To bridge this gap, the city is preparing to host a mega tourism conclave aimed at engaging national tour operators, travel agencies, and hotel industry stakeholders. Officials stated that this conclave will boost not just religious tourism but also open up employment and business opportunities. Three similar events have already been held in the past with encouraging outcomes. Expanding accommodation and streamlining processes To accommodate the expected tourist influx, efforts are being made to upgrade local infrastructure, particularly the hospitality sector. The administration is working to simplify the No Objection Certificate (NOC) process for new hotels and expand the network of homestays across the city. For the first time, the government is also considering the registration of dharamshalas (pilgrims' rest houses) with the tourism department to integrate them into the broader accommodation ecosystem.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
No more building plan approvals needed for small plots in Prayagraj
1 2 3 Prayagraj: Those planning to build houses in Prayagraj can breathe a sigh of relief. Thanks to the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet's approval of the new Building Construction and Development Byelaws 2025, individuals building houses on plots up to 100 sqm will no longer need to get building plans approved. This move aims to simplify the construction process and is set to be implemented across development authorities, including the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA). The new Building Construction and Development Bylaws 2025 will be a huge relief for middle-class families in Prayagraj. They'll no longer have to shell out around Rs 1.25 lakh for map approval fees and go through a lengthy process with multiple clearances. This change will simplify and speed up the homebuilding process, making it more accessible and affordable for many. The new bylaws also allow more flexible use of buildings. For instance, shops can be opened in houses located along wide roads. If adequate parking space is available, professionals like doctors, lawyers, architects and designers will be permitted to operate offices from home. Schools without hostels or dormitories will be allowed to function on roads at least 9 metres wide, and shopping malls can be established on roads 18 metres wide. Group housing projects will also get easier approvals for plots up to 1,500 square metres. However, these changes will not apply to certain restricted areas like Mela zone, illegal colonies, and unauthorised plotted developments. In these areas, construction without map approval will still not be permitted. The new policy will also lead to the de-sealing of previously sealed structures, most of which were built on plots close to 100 square metres. Implementation of the new bylaws is expected to bring a major boost to housing and retail activities, while also increasing revenue for PDA. PDA vice-chairman Amit Pal Sharma said, "Although the Cabinet has approved the new bylaws, an official govt order is awaited. Once issued, the rules will be enforced across the city." "We will have training session of the staff regarding the provisions laid down under the new bylaws and the entire exercise is for the larger welfare of the houseowners and along with the training, the software will also be updated," added Sharma. Meanwhile, Jitendra Singh, the newly appointed town planner for PDA, officially assumed charge on Friday. Previously posted in Jhansi, Singh took over the role in the presence of Sharma and PDA secretary Ajit Singh. The position remained vacant for a week following the transfer of former chief town planner TP Singh.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
PDA proposes Yamuna riverfront to boost tourism and environment
Prayagraj: To promote tourism and environmental protection in Sangam city, the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) is working on an ambitious Yamuna riverfront project. Under the project, priority will be given to modern urban beautification and greenery. It will include attractive murals, horticulture theme gardens, solar-powered decorative lights, colourful fountains and special signboards. Apart from this, a special plantation campaign will be launched to increase greenery on the riverbank and improve the environmental balance. According to PDA officials, a detailed proposal worth Rs 5 crore has been sent to the govt for approval. According to officials, this riverfront will also present the historical and spiritual significance of the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati in a new form. There is a plan to include facilities like seating arrangements on the waterfront, a play area for children and an open gym. "After getting approval from the govt, the DPR of this project will be prepared. The Yamuna riverfront will enhance Sangam city in a new form and will take the tourism map of Prayagraj to new heights," said PDA vice chairman Amit Pal Sharma. In another development, the beautification of Balua Ghat on the banks of Yamuna in has now become a special attraction for tourists. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The tourism department rejuvenated the ghat at a cost of about Rs 3.60 crore. The beautiful structures and modern facilities made on the 58m-long ghat are mesmerising the visitors. A grand aarti is organised every evening at the ghat along with yoga sessions, bhajans and cultural programmes. Authorities have made adequate arrangements for cleanliness, proper seating arrangements, lighting and security.
Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Prayagraj Master Plan 2031: PDA pushes for reservoirs, rainwater harvesting systems
In a bid to combat groundwater depletion and rising water demand, the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) is implementing large-scale rainwater harvesting initiatives as part of the Prayagraj Master Plan 2031. As per the plan, water reservoirs in an area more than 100 acres will be developed, with a 10-foot wide green park around each. A detailed action plan for linking these reservoirs, drains and lakes with the rain water harvesting system will also be prepared while drafting the zonal development plan for the future. The master plan has been prepared to meet the challenges of water requirement and recharging of groundwater in the same proportion in future. (For representation) According to PDA vice-chairman Dr Amit Pal Sharma, presently hectic efforts are being made to ensure that every building, including residential as well as official structures constructed on a land area of more than 100 square metres, have rainwater harvesting infrastructures in place. The master plan has been prepared to meet the challenges of water requirement and recharging of groundwater in the same proportion in future, he added. 'All six zonal officers of the PDA have been strictly instructed to ensure that no new building map on a plot size more than 100 square metres is passed without the mandatory rainwater harvesting element incorporated in it. Also all the zonal officers and their subordinate staff will ensure presence of rainwater harvesting on existing buildings, both domestic and commercial, built on plot sizes more than 100 square metres in their respective jurisdiction,' Sharma said. As per reports, presently, only 285 residential and commercial buildings owned by businessmen, industrialists, etc have got the mandatory rainwater harvesting infrastructure installed at their establishments in the district. Focus on ponds, lakes and recharging zones: The master plan also underscores protection of existing natural water bodies. All ponds, lakes, and reservoirs over one acre, regardless of their designated land use in housing schemes, must be conserved. Zonal and layout plans are required to list and make space for their protection. Additionally, all projects over 20 acres must allocate 5% of land for construction of recharge ponds, while rainwater collection from rooftops and open areas is mandatory in group housing projects covering 300 square metres or more. 30-40 ponds encroached upon: Urban expansion has taken a toll on city ponds. While 148 ponds are listed in official records, field surveys suggest 30 to 40 of them have vanished, often replaced by buildings or shops. Notably, in areas such as Arail, Naini Dadri, Chak Bhatai, Kazipur, Harwara and Fatehpur Bichchua, several pond lands bearing official land numbers exist only on paper. In some cases, the 'area' column in RTI replies remains blank, indicating a lack of data due to encroachments. Environmentalists like Kamlesh Singh argue that municipal agencies are often unaware of the actual size or status of many water bodies due to unregulated development. Groundwater under stress in 10 blocks: The latest report from the groundwater department paints a grim picture. Of Prayagraj's 23 development blocks, two (Chaka and Sahaso) are in the 'critical' category and eight others are 'semi-critical', due to overuse of groundwater without matching recharge. The city itself has been declared 'over exploited'. According to Ravikant, incharge of the groundwater department in the district, over-exploitation of groundwater without recharging in the same proportion is leading to decline in groundwater level in city area as well as in 10 development blocks comprising rural belt of the district. As per set standards, if 70% of the recharged groundwater is used in any area, it is considered as normal, while if the same is consumed between 70% to 90%, the situation is tagged as 'semi-critical'. Further, if the recharged water is consumed between 90% to 100%, the situation is tagged as 'critical'. However, if the usage is more than 100% of the recharged quantity in that particular year, the area is tagged as 'over exploited'.
