Yogi Government Rolls Out Plan To Convert Historic Forts In UP Into Museums And Hotels

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a heritage revival plan to convert historic forts and monuments into luxury heritage hotels, cultural centres, and museums under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, Indian Express reported.

Eleven properties have been selected for the first phase of the plan to revive heritage monuments and boost tourism.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh explained that the state is following the Rajasthan model, where forts have been developed into heritage properties that both preserve culture and generate income.

"Uttar Pradesh has a lot of potential because we have some good heritage properties for which people have already started showing interest," Singh was quoted as saying by IE.

The minister said that 31 heritage sites have been identified across the state, with four already allotted under the PPP scheme.

He added that the plan is expected to drive revenue and particularly benefit Bundelkhand, where increased tourism would also support local vendors and businesses.

Acting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2022 suggestion at the Bundelkhand Expressway launch, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently wrote to the PM requesting transfer of five monuments, including four forts, from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to the state government for development and conservation.

Adityanath’s letter described Bundelkhand as the “heartland of India” and the “land of ten rivers.”

He underlined the importance of reviving the region’s ancient monuments and archaeological sites to draw international attention.

The letter, dated 16 September, recalled the Prime Minister’s encouragement during the Bundelkhand Expressway inauguration to preserve and promote forts, palaces, and monuments in the region and to establish them on the global tourism map.

The Chief Minister noted that conservation, promotion and development of state-owned monuments has already started.

He said the initiative would provide livelihoods to local residents while ensuring preservation of Bundelkhand’s heritage.

The letter also referred to a survey by CEPT University, Ahmedabad, which identified 31 heritage sites and proposed an action plan for their conservation and development.

Five of these sites fall under ASI protection, including Talbehat Fort in Lalitpur, Kalinjar Fort in Banda, Madfa in Chitrakoot, and the Barua Sagar ghat steps in Jhansi.

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