Lucknow, 30 July

(HS): The Uttar Pradesh government has given the green signal to the ambitious

plan for tourism development of Vidur Kuti, a historical and Mahabharata era

site located in Bijnor district. The state government has approved an estimated

amount of Rs 20 crore for this site. This information was given by Uttar

Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh on Wednesday. He said that

Vidur Kuti, the place of penance of Mahatma Vidur, the chief minister of the

Kuru dynasty, has historical importance. The state government is committed to

beautify this religious and cultural heritage. The department is working on

making Vidur Kuti more attractive from the tourism point of view, so that

better facilities can be provided to the visitors. The Tourism Department is

trying to give Bijnor a new identity on the national and international tourism

map through Vidur Kuti site development. Under tourism development, facilities

like entrance gate, beautification, lighting system, information center,

toilet, drinking water system, construction of resting place will be developed.

The Tourism

Minister said that the development project of Vidur Kuti site will not only

encourage religious tourism in the area, but will also create new employment

opportunities at the local level. The One District One Product (ODOP) wood

carving industry of Bijnor district will be particularly benefited. With the

efforts of the department, the cultural heritage of the region will get global

recognition and the economic condition of the local artisans will also be strengthened.

Minister Jaiveer

Singh said that there are unprecedented possibilities of eco tourism

development in Bijnor. Amangarh Tiger Reserve and Haiderpur Wetland are the

main sites in the district. Amangarh Tiger Reserve is spread over an area of 95

square kilometers, which has emerged as the first choice of wildlife and nature

lovers. The presence of many rare species of animals including tigers makes it

a special place for wildlife lovers. At the same time, Haiderpur Wetland has

also been attracting tourists a lot. This wetland is like a paradise for bird

lovers, where migratory birds from the country and abroad are seen during the

winter season. Home stays run by the Tourism Department are available for

tourists at cheap rates. This eco tourism model of Bijnor is not only promoting

environmental conservation, but is also proving to be an important step towards

sustainable development.

Mahatma Vidur

tried to convince Maharaj Dhritarashtra to avoid the Mahabharata war, but

Dhritarashtra ignored his advice due to his love for Duryodhan. Thereafter,

Mahatma Vidur left everything in Hastinapur and came to the eastern end of

Ganga and started living in a hut on the banks of Ganga. It is believed that

during the Mahabharata period, when Shri Krishna failed to convince the

Kauravas, he came to Mahatma Vidur's hut. Mahatma Vidur's footprints are still

preserved on marble in Vidur Ashram, and people flock to see them. His Vidur

Niti is still popular in the public mind. Like Chanakya Niti, Vidur Niti has

also been given a prominent place.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi