Tourism projects in Agra, Mathura reviewed

Agra, June 20 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Tourism's director general Amrit Abhijat Friday reviewed tourism projects in the pipeline for Agra and Mathura and instructed officials to ensure their early completion.

Talking to media persons, he said: "Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has called a high-level review meeting on June 28 to take stock of the ground realities and speed up the process of implementation of various schemes designed to promote tourism in the Agra-Mathura circuit."

Abhijat told district officials to draw up schemes for better traffic management in the city, and improve basic facilities in the tourism complexes.

"The Shah Jahan Garden and other Mughal gardens should be spruced up and better security environment provided for the tourists," he said after the meeting with local officials here.

Horticulture superintendent Anita Singh has been asked to submit a landscape plan for the Mughal Garden within ten days.

The DG said the Taj Nature Walk, near the Taj Mahal, needed better facilities, including toilets and pathways.

He wanted tourist amenities at Fatehpur-Sikri streamlined for the visitors.

The director-general advised police not to harass the tourists and their vehicles in the name of checking, which should be done at fixed places.

"In Mathura-Vrindavan, various projects worth Rs.33 crore have to be completed, but the authorities should ensure the architecture designs and landscaping are compatible with local Braj culture," he added.