Gorakhpur has seen a spurt in development over the last many months. And why not! After all, the Chief Minister of the state himself represents the Gorakhpur Urban constituency. UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s vision to make Gorakhpur a popular tourist and investment destination is being given concrete shape by the administration with thrusts on connectivity, beautification, and creation of economic zones. Side by side, there has been major crackdowns on mafias to ensure that there is no hamper to developmental works. Once considered an underdeveloped area, Gorakhpur looks different now, and how!
Indian Masterminds spoke to IAS officer Prem Ranjan Singh, who is the Vice Chairman of Gorakhpur Development Authority, to know in detail how Gorakhpur has been developed and transformed over the years.
MAFIAS DISAPPEARED
Mr. Singh said that the biggest problem which Gorakhpur was facing from past many years was the nexus of mafias. However, the major organised crimes that were taking place in the district have vanished now.
“The district is only left with some small organised crimes like theft, chain snatching, etc., which is also fast decreasing. This has brought a lot of advantages to government agencies which are doing development works, like the Gorakhpur Development Authority. Now they can freely work without any fear.”
CONNECTIVITY BOOSTED
He also pointed to the road connectivity that has helped in bringing changes in the district. Most of the roads in the district were either single lane or double lane but now maximum roads are four lane, like Gorakhpur-Sonauli road, Gorakhpur-Maharajganj road.
“Roads connecting Kushinagar have been turned into four lane now, Gorakhpur to Lucknow outer road has been turned six lane. In past five to six years, there has been a lot of developments for road and road safety in Gorakhpur.”
COMPANIES TO SET UP PLANTS
Talking about the Gorakhpur link expressway which is under construction, the officer said that it not only help people to directly travel from Gorakhpur to Delhi but also boost the economy as there is a plan to set up industries on around 1000 acres of land near this expressway.
“Many companies are coming up to set up their plants in Gorakhpur. This is because now we have easy connectivity of road and airport. Those who will set up their plants here will get cheap labour, land and connectivity.”
BEAUTIFICATION OF RAMGARH TAL
Mr. Singh also especially mentioned the famous Ramgarh Tal lake spread over 1600 acres of land in Gorakhpur, which was once a dead lake of the district.
“Seven years ago, nobody used to come to this place after 6 pm because of the increased number of crimes in the district. But in five years, this place has become a lookalike of international tourist destination. The dirtiest place of the district turned into the most beautiful tourist attraction. Roads have been broadened, beautiful street lights have been installed, and people are getting variety of delicious food.”
Four lane roads on two sides of the lake and 10 concrete ghats have been built and a 246 ft. high Indian Flag. The flag is 540 square metre in area and is visible from a distance of 15 km.
Apart from this, a vending zone has also been installed that has been divided into 100 parts and given to 100 vendors. This also helps the Gorakhpur Development Authority to generate some income, the officer said.
The Ramgarh Tal also provides boating services to its visitors which is generating benefit of approximately Rs. 30 lakhs per month.
“The CM has also asked us to run a luxury cruise which has been ordered from Australia at a price of Rs. 6 crores. This will help us to attract elite classes as well,” Mr. Singh said.
A floating restaurant will also be built on the lake with a capacity to hold 100-200 people who can sit and do fine dining.
“We have a vision to promote this place so that people from outside the district visit and enjoy their time here, which will eventually boost our tourism,” said Mr. Singh.
