E-Paper
Allahabad has great tourism potential, confirms report
THE CITY which has been visited by around 5.30 crore tourists in the last five years has the potential to become a tourist hub in Uttar Pradesh. On an average tourist arrival in Allahabad is 15-20 per cent of total tourist traffic in the State.
THE CITY which has been visited by around 5.30 crore tourists in the last five years has the potential to become a tourist hub in Uttar Pradesh. On an average tourist arrival in Allahabad is 15-20 per cent of total tourist traffic in the State.
Feedback, an agency assigned the task of survey of the city, in its draft report submitted to the Nagar Nigam under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM), has recommended various suggestions in order to attract tourists in large numbers.
The report says: "The city has evolved in last 2000 years but negligence in maintenance has depleted the tourist attractions. Even then the city has a few marvellous structures that are important from tourism point of view and have the potential to pull a significant number of crowd. It has huge potential for tourism activity– religion-based and institution-based tourism in particular. The Kumbh mela is the greatest of north Indian religious fairs and it has exerted a mesmerising influence over the minds and the imagination of the ordinary Indian from times immemorial", the report said.
Referring to Sangam, the report said that it is already the major tourist attraction. The spot is highly undeveloped and lacks basic facilities. Tourists are left on the mercy of boatmen and pandas who greatly harass the tourists. This spot has huge potential and needs an integrated development plan to reduce the recurring outflow of cash every 12 years when it hosts the Kumbh mela.
The report said that Akbar Fort may also be a major attraction. But presently this has been occupied by Army and is not open for general public and tourists.
It suggested for handing over of this fort to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for maintenance and also opening it for tourists.
Samudrakoop & Ulta Quila in Jhusi have also big potential and the Tourism Department has submitted proposal to the Government for its development. If developed properly this could be a great tourist attraction.
Similarly the Senate Hall, the administrative building and the Vizianagram Hall at Allahabad University should be given to the ASI, suggested the report.
Despite the fact that ASI has taken over Khusro Bagh for its maintenance, this monument of historical relevance remains poorly maintained.
Azad Park and Public Library situated inside it need further development and additional basic facilities can work wonders to attract visitors.
