Mathura: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Thursday that development

Mathura: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Thursday that development should encompass more than just infrastructure like roads, electricity, water supply, and industries. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a vital component of true development.

On the first day of his two-day visit, chief minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 229 projects worth Rs 1,051 crore. He said more than Rs 1,000 crore worth of projects had been completed in Braj over the past eight years through Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad. Yogi said 156 crore tourists had visited Uttar Pradesh last year, attributing the increase to improved connectivity, infrastructure and law and order.

Addressing a gathering in Mathura on Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Yogi said India’s civilisational strength lay in its ability to preserve and rebuild its heritage. He said Braj represented the continuity of Sanatan traditions despite repeated attacks on temples and cultural institutions. In the name of development, our heritage continued to be insulted,” he said. Yogi said foreign invaders might have demolished temples but could not weaken people’s devotion, citing Mathura, Ayodhya and Kashi as examples. Referring to Braj’s traditions, he said festivals such as Janmashtami, Barsana Holi and Govardhan Parikrama had continued despite attempts to suppress them. Chief minister said improved law and order was essential for tourism, investment and public participation in religious events. He said India could become a developed and self-reliant nation only by remaining connected to its heritage while ensuring the uplift of women, youth, farmers, entrepreneurs and artisans.

“For a long time, we tried to view development only through the lens of roads, electricity, water, buildings and industries. These included the development of pilgrimage routes, restoration of kunds, improved connectivity, mega parking facilities, the proposed Vrindavan ropeway and Raya Urban Node. He cited the movement of five crore Kanwar pilgrims between Ghaziabad and Haridwar during Sawan as an example of the state’s ability to manage large religious gatherings.