Meerut, Dec. 3 -- An international yoga centre will come up on 70.885 acres in Baghpat district as the state cabinet gave its approval for the same on Tuesday, officials said. The proposal, according to which land for the project has been earmarked in Baghpat tehsil's Hariya Khurd, aims to position the district as a new hub for holistic health practices. The Hariya Khurd site is set to be developed into one of the largest integrated yoga and wellness campuses in western Uttar Pradesh. As per the proposal, the centre will feature residential facilities, yoga studios, meditation halls, lecture spaces, and areas for workshops and research on holistic health. Visitors will be able to participate in short-term and long-term programmes focusing on authentic yoga practice and wellness education in a serene, nature-rich environment. The officials added that the project will operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, and the budget for its construction and other activities has yet to be determined. It will offer high-quality facilities and expert instructors while maintaining government oversight, they said. "By integrating yoga, meditation, naturopathy and wellbeing sciences, the centre is expected to deliver comprehensive health benefits documented in similar international wellness programmes," they added. The project is also expected to boost employment in Baghpat and nearby areas by creating opportunities for trainers, therapists, hospitality workers, food service providers and local suppliers. Indirect employment is also likely to grow through homestays, transport services and small businesses. Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said the cabinet's decision reflects the government's commitment to balanced tourism development across the state. He emphasised that the centre would not only promote yoga as one of India's most impactful global contributions but also create new livelihood options and strengthen cultural and spiritual tourism circuits. Singh added that the project fits into a larger trend of rising global interest in wellness tourism. The minister highlighted that the Baghpat centre aims to position UP within India's expanding wellness tourism sector, which is currently dominated by destinations such as the Chennai-Coimbatore belt and Kerala. The proximity of Baghpat to the National Capital Region (NCR) adds strategic value....