Sant Kabir Nagar: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 139 development projects worth over ₹475 crore in Sant Kabir Nagar. During the event, he also announced the development of the Baba Tameshwar Nath Dham Corridor, aimed at transforming the region into a major religious tourism hub.
The Chief Minister addressed a large public gathering at the historic Shri Baijunath Dham located on the banks of the Kuwano River, highlighting the government’s focus on infrastructure, spiritual tourism, education, and connectivity in the Purvanchal region.
₹475 Crore Development Push: 139 Projects Inaugurated and Launched
Under the major development initiative, a total of 139 projects were inaugurated and launched across Sant Kabir Nagar and nearby regions.
Key allocations include:
- ₹225 crore worth projects in Dhanghata Assembly constituency
- ₹251 crore worth projects in Khajni Assembly constituency
The projects cover a wide range of infrastructure and public welfare works, including roads, civic facilities, and development schemes aimed at improving connectivity and living standards.
Officials said the initiative will significantly transform the region’s development landscape.
Baba Tameshwar Nath Dham Corridor to Boost Religious Tourism
A major announcement during the event was the proposed Baba Tameshwar Nath Dham Corridor, which aims to develop the temple complex on the lines of major spiritual destinations such as:
- Kashi Vishwanath Dham
- Ayodhya Dham
- Maa Vindhyavasini Dham
The corridor plan includes:
- Wide and improved roads
- Modern parking facilities for large crowds
- Enhanced lighting and sanitation systems
- Clean drinking water infrastructure
- Upgraded public amenities and toilets
The project is expected to strengthen religious tourism while also generating employment opportunities for local traders and youth.
Regional Transformation Through Infrastructure and Connectivity
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that improved connectivity through the Purvanchal Expressway has transformed once-neglected regions into emerging development hubs.
He noted that areas like Dhanghata and Khajni are now directly connected to Lucknow, reducing travel time significantly and improving access to markets, education, and healthcare.
The government also highlighted ongoing infrastructure expansion including:
- Road network upgrades
- Bridge construction
- Rural connectivity improvements
- Development of industrial zones like Greater GIDA
Bakira Lake to Be Developed as Eco-Tourism Destination
The Chief Minister announced the development of the internationally recognized Ramsar-listed Bakira Lake into a major eco-tourism destination.
Alongside tourism initiatives, the government is expanding:
- Degree colleges
- Polytechnic institutes
- ITIs and skill development centers
- Educational and healthcare infrastructure
Schemes like Operation Kayakalp, Project Alankar, Atal Residential Schools, and composite schools are being used to strengthen the education system across the region.
Employment, Industry and Youth Development Focus
The government highlighted that industrial and skill development initiatives are generating new employment opportunities for youth.
Key developments include:
- Industrial growth in Dhuriyapar under Greater GIDA
- Expansion of Maghar industrial zone
- Establishment of Sant Kabir Academy and auditorium projects
- Skill development programs for youth employment
These initiatives aim to create a stronger economic base in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Attack on Opposition and Reference to Emergency Period
Referring to the Emergency imposed in 1975, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described it as a “dark chapter in India’s democracy.” He criticized opposition parties, stating that constitutional rights were suspended and political opponents were jailed during that period.
He also accused opposition parties of misleading voters during the 2024 elections and undermining democratic institutions.
Welfare Schemes for Poor, Farmers and Women
The Chief Minister reiterated that the double-engine government is committed to welfare schemes benefiting all sections of society, including:
- Free ration distribution
- Ayushman Bharat health coverage up to ₹5 lakh
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana housing support
He said the goal is to build an “Aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant) Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh Positioned as India’s Growth Engine
Yogi Adityanath stated that Uttar Pradesh is no longer dependent on identity recognition but has become a key growth engine of India’s economy. He credited improved governance, infrastructure expansion, and central-state coordination for the state’s rapid development.
He urged citizens to actively participate in the state’s development journey.
Beneficiaries Distributed Support Certificates
During the event, the Chief Minister distributed benefit certificates and financial assistance to several beneficiaries under various schemes, including:
- Radhika – Chief Minister Rural Housing Scheme
- Shabnam Kumari – Rural Housing Scheme
- Reeta Upadhyay – Self Help Group (₹5.71 crore assistance)
- Abhigyan Rai – Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (₹5 lakh)
- Ram Sharan Vishwakarma – Labour Welfare Scheme
- Yashvardhan Pandey – Grant certificate
The development drive in Sant Kabir Nagar is part of the broader infrastructure and governance push by the Government of Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, focusing on improving connectivity, promoting religious tourism, boosting rural development, and strengthening education and employment opportunities across the state.
