From spiritual circuits to eco-tourism, Uttar Pradesh is integrating sustainability and sanitation into every tourist experience
Spearheading the world’s largest religious congregations and building an infrastructure-backed tourism framework, Uttar Pradesh is setting standards in cleanliness-driven destination management. Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary – Tourism & Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, shares how the state is using policy innovation, public-private partnerships and mechanised sanitation to transform its tourism landscape into a sustainable, accessible, and future-ready model — in conversation with Mohana M, Editor, Clean India Journal.
UP hosted massive events like the Ayodhya Ram Mandir opening and the Kumbh Mela. What were the key cleanliness
and infrastructure challenges you faced?
Obviously, when large groups of people turn up, cleanliness becomes the biggest challenge. Meeting the requirements for potable drinking water and clean toilets was a major focus area. During the Kumbh Mela, we created more than 1.5 lakh mobile toilets across different locations, managed by a large number of trained sanitation personnel.
These sanitation workers maintained and cleaned the facilities efficiently, and everyone appreciated the high level of cleanliness. At different locations, we also created very good toilet facilities that were cleaned every one or two hours. These have been given on a PPP mode, where the toilet blocks were constructed on government land, and private agencies have been given responsibility for upkeep and maintenance. These agencies are allowed to display advertisements or rent out adjoining shops to generate revenue, along with levying a small user fee. This model is now being replicated at many other tourist destinations, including Naimisharanya.
How is UP Tourism scaling such initiatives across other locations?
Naimisharanya is an important spiritual destination with significant mythological relevance. It is believed that 88,000 sages performed rituals there, and it is also where parts of the Aranyakas and Upanishads were written. It houses the famous Chakra
Teerth and the temple of Lalita Devi, which is a Shakti Peeth.
We are now developing the region by creating parking lots, dormitories, public amenities, and improving connectivity. An international Vedic Research Institute is also being set up there. Similar efforts are underway in Chitrakoot, Mathura, and
Vrindavan. Uttar Pradesh is a hub of spiritual and religious destinations, including Buddhist tourism. We are focusing on creating more public amenities and facilities to support the large number of tourists.
What are the sanitation and maintenance models currently being implemented?
We use multiple models. In areas with local urban bodies like municipal corporations or Nagar Palikas, facilities are handed over to them or development authorities for maintenance. Standalone toilet blocks are not always sustainable. Hence, we integrate them with dormitories, restaurants, or shops, and lease the combined unit for 15+15 years. This allows private investors to generate revenue while maintaining the facilities.
We have also created Teerth Vikas Parishads in places like Mathura, Chitrakoot Dham, Ayodhya, and Naimisharanya. These Parishads deploy sanitation workers and take care of maintenance. In over 1,500 spiritual destinations where land belongs to temple trusts or societies, we sign MoUs and construct facilities. The trust collects user charges which are deposited into a dedicated account used exclusively for sanitation, gardening and related services.
Is there a specific master plan for tourism and cleanliness infrastructure?
Yes. We had developed a new master plan during the preparations for Ayodhya and Kumbh. We are also working on an ecotourism board. Though Uttar Pradesh has only 7% forest cover, we are rich in biodiversity with unique ecosystems across Pilibhit, Kishanpur, Dudhwa, Katarnia Ghat, Sohagibarwa, and Suhelwa. These foothill Himalayan forests are evergreen and offer frequent tiger sightings, especially in Kishanpur and Belrayan ranges.
We have also identified two new tiger sanctuaries at Ranipur in Chitrakoot and Amangarh in Bijnor. In addition, we have more than 20 bird sanctuaries, the longest stretch of the Ganges River, and waterfalls in the Vindhya and Bundelkhand regions. All of these are being developed under the ecotourism board.
What are the goals for sustainability under UP Tourism?
We completed a World Bank-funded project in Mathura and Vrindavan. Under this, nearly 5,000 women were trained in skill development. Many of them who earlier had no income are now earning up to Rs15,000 to 30,000 per month by making Tulsi
malas, Krishna dresses, inlay work and handicrafts.
We have identified over 200 villages for rural tourism where locals will be trained to offer homestay services. Rural tourism promotes both sustainable livelihood and visitor well-being. Guests can participate in farming activities, fruit plucking, and experience the slower pace of village life — offering a welcome break from urban stress.
Is there openness to mechanised and robotic cleaning solutions?
Yes. For instance, the Teerth Vikas Parishad in Chitrakoot has already procured road cleaning machines. To maintain cleanliness, we use a hybrid approach — combining manual efforts with mechanical solutions. In areas with limited sewage
connectivity, such methods become essential. We are planning to extend mechanised cleaning to more destinations not under urban local bodies.
How is waste managed at tourist sites, considering the massive footfall?
Uttar Pradesh receives more than 65 crore domestic tourists annually. Waste management is a critical issue. Some agencies have started converting temple flower waste into incense sticks.
We are encouraging the use of biodegradable materials like pattal and banana bark to minimise chemical waste. For solid waste management, our Urban Development Department has partnered with agencies to collect, segregate, and treat garbage. Biodegradable waste is converted into manure, while recyclable waste is sent to appropriate industries.
Any final thoughts on UP’s tourism roadmap?
Uttar Pradesh has tremendous potential. Beyond religious and spiritual tourism, we are promoting experiential tourism. We
are converting forts and palaces into heritage hotels through PPP mode. Chunar Fort near Varanasi and Baruasagar Fort near Jhansi have already been leased to private players. Chhatar Manzil in Lucknow, which has historical significance, is also
being converted.
We are also developing Uttar Pradesh as a destination for high-end weddings, particularly in Bundelkhand. Our goal is to offer visitors a rich, clean and immersive experience across the state.