Azamgarh: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved Rs 1 crore for the development of Durvasa Ashram in Azamgarh, aiming to improve basic infrastructure at the religious site under the Chief Minister’s Tourism Development Scheme. The funding will focus on installing essential amenities such as lighting, sanitation, drinking water facilities, and a visitor information centre.
Durvasa Ashram, located at the confluence of the Tamsa and Manjusha rivers, sees increased footfall during Kartik Purnima but remains relatively underdeveloped. The ashram is linked to Sage Durvasa, a mythological figure believed to have meditated at the site across multiple Yugas, according to local lore. Despite its spiritual relevance, the site lacks the infrastructure found in more prominent religious destinations in the state.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that the development is part of a wider plan to bring smaller religious and cultural sites into the state’s tourism framework. As per government data, Azamgarh recorded over 1.58 million visitors in 2024, with over 3.25 lakh tourists arriving in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Officials attribute this rise to increased focus on lesser-known heritage and religious locations.
The move aligns with the state’s 2022 Tourism Policy, which outlines inclusive development of pilgrimage and cultural sites beyond well-known cities like Varanasi and Ayodhya. While employment generation and local economic impact are among the intended benefits, the state has yet to release specific data on how such projects have translated into measurable outcomes for local communities.
The project reflects a broader strategy to balance religious tourism with regional development goals.
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