Meerut, Feb. 2 -- The inclusion of Hastinapur in the country's 15 major archaeological sites, as announced by the finance minister in her Budget speech on Sunday, is set to give a major impetus to the ancient UP city. The move is likely to see its excavation areas opened to the general public and new interpretation centres established for tourists and researchers. The announcement is being hailed as a landmark decision for the region. Hastinapur, celebrated in ancient texts as the capital of the Kuru kingdom, has long sought global recognition for its historical significance. "The budgetary provision is expected to strengthen the conservation of its invaluable archaeological heritage while simultaneously unlocking new opportunities for cultural tourism," said Hastinapur MLA Dinesh Khatik. The MLA believed that allowing public access to excavation sites will help citizens gain a deeper and more tangible understanding of the roots of Indian civilisation. A key feature of the FM's announcement is the proposal to establish interpretation centres in Hastinapur. These centres will provide visitors with detailed insights into the town's historical evolution, major archaeological discoveries, and cultural importance. Officials said the centres were expected to play a crucial role in promoting educational tourism, particularly benefiting researchers, students, and scholars. The announcement was also welcomed by locals, who felt that it would generate new employment opportunities and boost the local economy. Sectors such as hospitality, tour and guide services, handicrafts, and transportation are likely to see increased activity as tourist footfall rises, they said. The first major mention of Hastinapur in a Union Budget was in 2020-21, when the government flagged it as one of five archaeological sites to be developed into "iconic" destinations with on-site museums as part of heritage tourism and cultural preservation efforts....