Lucknow, Dec 15 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board (UPETDB) has initiated a major step towards positioning Sharda Barrage in Lakhimpur Kheri as a premier tourism destination by launching the agency selection process for its development as an integrated Accommodation and Wellness Tourism Destination.
The project aims to create a unique tourism hub where eco-tourism, wildlife experiences and wellness-based offerings converge in a sustainable natural setting.
Announcing the initiative, Uttar Pradesh’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, Jaiveer Singh, said here on Monday that changing lifestyle patterns and increasing stress levels have led travellers to seek destinations rooted in nature, wellness and holistic living.
“There is a growing demand for destinations that offer health, peace, nature and spiritual rejuvenation in one place. Sharda Barrage presents a strong opportunity to develop such a destination by combining modern wellness infrastructure with the region’s natural and ecological strengths,” he said.
Under the proposed model, the selected agency will be provided land to develop accommodation and wellness facilities at the site. The agency will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the project, including planning, design, construction, financing, operations and maintenance.
Security of tourists and the project premises will also fall under the agency’s scope, while UPETDB will facilitate coordination with relevant government departments to ensure smooth implementation.
The project will be executed under an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) framework with an initial concession period of 15 years, extendable by another 15 years based on performance.
UPETDB will conduct performance reviews every five years and retain the right to take corrective action in case of non-compliance with prescribed standards. No capital grant will be provided for the project; instead, operations will be carried out on an annual premium payment model. The use of prefabricated and sustainable construction systems will be actively encouraged to minimise environmental impact.
Highlighting the destination’s potential, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said that Sharda Barrage is set to emerge as a multi-dimensional tourism centre where the calm of wellness tourism complements the thrill of wildlife and nature-based experiences.
“With increasing domestic and international interest, this region has the potential to become a new inbound tourism hotspot in Uttar Pradesh,” he noted.
Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, stated that the project is being envisioned as a sustainable destination that seamlessly blends wellness, wildlife and natural experiences.
“Our objective is to establish Sharda Barrage as an attractive and environmentally responsible destination for both domestic and international tourists,” he said.
Echoing similar views, Pushp Kumar K., Director (Eco Tourism), said that the wellness-led tourism model at Sharda Barrage reflects the state’s commitment to sustainable development and quality tourism infrastructure.
“This initiative will not only enhance the tourism profile of the region but also stimulate the local economy, generate employment opportunities and strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s tourism ecosystem in line with global benchmarks,” he added.
The development of Sharda Barrage as an integrated accommodation and wellness tourism destination marks a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s broader strategy to promote eco-friendly, experience-driven and high-quality tourism across the state.
UNI MBD SAS BM