Latest news with #MukeshMeshram
India.com
13 hours ago
- India.com
UP's Salkhan Fossils Park Joins UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List
In a significant achievement for Uttar Pradesh, Salkhan Fossils Park -- one of the world's oldest fossil sites secured a place in Unesco's tentative list of World Heritage Sites on Sunday. This development is expected to propel Uttar Pradesh's tourism to new heights on the international stage. The park is set to attain full World Heritage status within the next two years. Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department, stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently undertaken key initiatives to strengthen tourism in the state, with a particular focus on eco-tourism. He said that the Board achieved a major accomplishment days ago, by securing a place for Salkhan Fossils Park -- located near Salkhan village, approximately 15 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra -- on UNESCO's Tentative List. The Tourism Department had been working towards this goal for the past year. A pivotal step in the process was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow. The institute conducted scientific studies of the park's fossil-bearing rocks, which revealed 1.4 billion-year-old stromatolites and algae fossils -- considered some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth. These findings formed the scientific foundation for the park's nomination to UNESCO. This recognition not only highlights the geological significance of Salkhan Fossils Park but also places Uttar Pradesh prominently on the global eco-tourism map. Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra explained that the process of including any site in the UNESCO World Heritage List begins with its entry into the Tentative List. Following this, a comprehensive dossier is prepared, which forms the basis for the nomination to the permanent list. This entire process typically takes about a year and includes an on-site evaluation by a UNESCO team. He informed that the dossier for Salkhan Fossils Park in Sonbhadra is currently being prepared and will soon be submitted to the government of India for forwarding to the Unesco. He expressed optimism that the park could be officially inscribed on the permanent World Heritage List within the next two years. Such recognition would not only bring international acclaim to Uttar Pradesh but also significantly enhance its global tourism profile. Amid rising national and international interest in the Earth's ancient natural heritage, Salkhan Fossils Park -- also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park -- is emerging as a key site of global importance. Situated near Salkhan village, about 15 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district, the park lies in a picturesque region between the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Vindhya mountain range. Spread across 25 hectares, the park is home to exceptionally well-preserved stromatolites -- layered, microbial rock formations embedded in ancient sandstone and dating back roughly 1.4 billion years. These fossils represent some of the earliest known life forms and provide invaluable insights into the planet's biological and geological history.
Hans India
15 hours ago
- Hans India
UP's Salkhan Fossils Park joins Unesco's tentative World Heritage List
In a significant achievement for Uttar Pradesh, Salkhan Fossils Park -- one of the world's oldest fossil sites secured a place in Unesco's tentative list of World Heritage Sites on Sunday. This development is expected to propel Uttar Pradesh's tourism to new heights on the international stage. The park is set to attain full World Heritage status within the next two years. Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary of Tourism Department stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently undertaken key initiatives to strengthen tourism in the state, with a particular focus on eco-tourism. He said that the Board achieved major accomplishment days ago, by securing a place for Salkhan Fossils Park -- located near Salkhan village, approximately 15 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra -- on UNESCO's Tentative List. The Tourism Department had been working towards this goal for the past year. A pivotal step in the process was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow. The institute conducted scientific studies of the park's fossil-bearing rocks, which revealed 1.4 billion-year-old stromatolites and algae fossils -- considered some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth. These findings formed the scientific foundation for the park's nomination to UNESCO. This recognition not only highlights the geological significance of Salkhan Fossils Park but also places Uttar Pradesh prominently on the global eco-tourism map. Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra explained that the process of including any site in the UNESCO World Heritage List begins with its entry into the Tentative List. Following this, a comprehensive dossier is prepared, which forms the basis for the nomination to the permanent list. This entire process typically takes about a year and includes an on-site evaluation by a UNESCO team. He informed that the dossier for Salkhan Fossils Park in Sonbhadra is currently being prepared and will soon be submitted to the government of India for forwarding to the Unesco. He expressed optimism that the park could be officially inscribed on the permanent World Heritage List within the next two years. Such recognition would not only bring international acclaim to Uttar Pradesh but also significantly enhance its global tourism profile. Amid rising national and international interest in the Earth's ancient natural heritage, Salkhan Fossils Park -- also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park -- is emerging as a key site of global importance. Situated near Salkhan village, about 15 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district, the park lies in a picturesque region between the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Vindhya mountain range. Spread across 25 hectares, the park is home to exceptionally well-preserved stromatolites -- layered, microbial rock formations embedded in ancient sandstone and dating back roughly 1.4 billion years. These fossils represent some of the earliest known life forms and provide invaluable insights into the planet's biological and geological history.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Now, locals in tourist areas allowed to open homestays
Lucknow: As part of its strategy to boost tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure, the Yogi Adityanath-led Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Uttar Pradesh Bed and Breakfast and Homestay Policy-2025. "The policy aims to provide more accessible and comfortable accommodation options for devotees and tourists visiting the state's religious and tourist destinations," said principal secretary, tourism, Mukesh Meshram, adding that the initiative addresses a long-standing issue of accommodation shortages during peak travel seasons at prominent sites. "It is common for hotels at major religious and tourist destinations to be fully booked, leaving visitors with limited or no lodging options. The new policy seeks to resolve this challenge by enabling local residents to offer homestay accommodations," he said. Under the policy, any individual residing in proximity to a religious or tourist site will be allowed to register a homestay unit consisting of one to six rooms, accommodating a maximum of 12 beds. Tourists can avail of the facility for up to seven consecutive days, with provisions for extension through a renewal process. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Amazon CFD : La clave para un ingreso extra (Conoce más) Empezar ahora Registrarse Undo The registration and approval of homestays will be overseen by a committee headed by the district magistrate and superintendent of police to ensure safety and compliance. Only a small fee will be charged to register homestays in rural areas—ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 750. For urban and silver-category homestays, the application fee has been set at Rs 2,000. Lauding the policy in the cabinet briefing, the state's finance minister, Suresh Khanna, said, "Due to Uttar Pradesh's rich cultural heritage and historical sites, the state is already a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists. However, until now, there was no state-level policy for homestays which will help in formalising facilities for the tourists and pilgrims." Adding that the policy also includes financial support and incentives to encourage residents to offer part of their homes for tourism purposes, Khanna further said, "This policy will not only help provide affordable and convenient accommodation to tourists but will also create new income and job opportunities for local people. Overall, it is expected to strengthen the state's economy and tourism infrastructure. " Tourism department officials also revealed that as a result of the lack of a policy framework, homestay operators registered on the central govt's NIDHI+ portal. With the new policy, they can now register easily by getting a no-objection certificate (NOC) from local authorities.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Time of India
Ghaziabad's Kailash Mansarovar house set to welcome first batch of pilgrims
Ghaziabad : For the first time since its construction in 2020, the Kailash Mansarovar Bhawan in Indirapuram's Shakti Khand-4 will be officially used this year as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume after a five-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The first batch of pilgrims are set to arrive by June 11. Mukesh Meshram, principal secretary for Tourism, Culture and Charitable Affairs, visited the Bhawan on Wednesday to assess preparations and directed officials to ensure all facilities are fully operational before their arrival. "Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims should not face any problem in any form. All necessary arrangements must be in place, including transportation, food, rest, and cleanliness," Meshram said during the inspection. The Yatra is scheduled from June 11 to Aug 26, and the facility will now receive groups of 50 pilgrims at a time. This year, 5 batches of 50 Yatris, and 10 batches of 50 Yatris, are scheduled to travel. District tourism officer Suresh Rawat told TOI "Pilgrims will stay for four days at the premises to complete formalities. After completing the pilgrimage, they will again come back to the Bhawan from where they will depart for their homes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Oulad Teima: Beautiful New Senior Apartments with Two Bedrooms Senior Apartments | Search Ads Search Now Undo The Bhawan was solely made for the facilitation of the Mansarovar pilgrims and it will now, for the first time, serve its official purpose." "We have instructed officials to start making arrangements to ensure that lights, air-conditioners, and all other electrical fittings are fully functional. Food and first-aid arrangements are also being made to ensure their stay is comfortable and safe," said DM Deepak Meena. Mesharam instructed officials to ensure that the rooms, toilets, and electronic appliances like ACs, fans, and lights are properly maintained. He also emphasised uninterrupted water and electricity supply, as well as timely completion of any pending works by the State Construction Corporation. "Special attention should be paid to cleanliness and beautification of the premises," he added. The four-storey facility was developed over 9,000 sqm at a cost of around Rs 57.9 crore, and can accommodate up to 272 people. It also includes parking for 188 vehicles.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Uttar Pradesh plans to make Dudhwa global eco-tourism hotspot
Uttar Pradesh eco-tourism development board conducted an extensive discussion with tour and travel operators on Thursday. The meeting, held at Tourism Bhawan, witnessed officers engaging in unlocking Dudhwa's full potential through collaborative promotion, infrastructure development, and personalised tourism experiences for international tourists. In the presence of tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh the officials highlighted the state government's multi-pronged strategy to increase footfall of international tourists in Dudhwa and surrounding areas. The minister for tourism and culture Jaiveer Singh said, 'All efforts are underway to enhance accommodation, set up yoga and wellness centres, promote rural tourism and local crafts and cuisine, especially for foreign tourists. We believe this natural treasure will play a defining role in making Uttar Pradesh a top destination for international tourists.' Describing Dudhwa as one of the last surviving stretches of the once-vast Himalayan Terai, the principal secretary tourism and culture Mukesh Meshram said, 'Dudhwa is not just a sanctuary for rare and endangered species, but a living repository of our disappearing forest ecosystems. Its dense forests, marshes, grasslands, and oxbow lakes represent rhythmic patterns of nature celebrated worldwide.' 'Uttar Pradesh currently leads in domestic tourism, and with strategic initiatives, we aim to achieve the same in international arrivals,' said Meshram. Tour and travel operators have a critical role in this journey, and the government is fully committed to supporting efforts at every level. During the interaction, over 100 tour and travel operators from Uttar Pradesh and other states were present in-person and virtually. Several suggestions were put forward, including integrating Dudhwa with spiritual circuits like Ayodhya and Kashi, organising familiarisation (FAM) tours, and initiating student exposure visits from cities like Jhansi, similar to those conducted in Lucknow. The board assured that these ideas will be actively considered and implemented wherever feasible. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoD) Sunil Chaudhary lauded the initiative, calling it a promising step toward expanding tourism in the state. Managing Director of Forest Corporation KK Singh stated that Dudhwa offers something for every type of tourist, and it is essential that tour operators design customised itineraries based on visitor interests. Other key speakers included Additional PCCF Lalit Kumar Verma, CCF (Policy & Analysis) Aditi Sharma, UPSTDC MD Sanya Chhabra, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Field Director Dr Rangaraju, and Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra, who delivered a detailed presentation on the board's vision and plans for Dudhwa's development. Home to over 120 tree species, more than 100 varieties of herbs and shrubs, and rare orchids, Dudhwa boasts remarkable biodiversity. The region supports a thriving population of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and aquatic life, making it a vital example of ecological richness and stability. Dudhwa is being developed as a national eco-tourism flagship for international tourists. Key initiatives include stakeholder consultations, promotion of local heritage and cuisine, expanded train safari outreach, integrated wellness and accommodation facilities, dedicated tourist helpdesks, and a comprehensive regional master plan. The board has also shared four proposed itineraries tailored for various traveller interests.
