PRAYAGRAJ, Nov. 28 -- Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 22 development projects related to tourism worth Rs.44.97 crore at Shringverpur Dham in Prayagraj. Addressing the gathering at the Ramayan Mela ground, Singh said the government was committed to transforming Shringverpur Dham into an international-level religious and cultural tourism hub. Responding to demands from public representatives, the foundation stone was laid for 16 projects, while six projects were inaugurated. He said officials had been directed to ensure the timely completion of all works. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and chief minister Yogi Adityanath in the state, development projects are now being executed within stipulated timelines while maintaining high-quality standards," he added. Singh emphasised that there was no shortage of funds for development. "The projects inaugurated today are based on demands raised by public representatives. Earlier governments came and went, but the tourism department's initiatives never took shape on the ground," he said. Criticising the lack of development of temples and religious establishments in previous regimes, he said the BJP government has ensured the rule of law and accelerated growth. He highlighted the transformation in the tourism sector, noting that Uttar Pradesh received about 23 crore tourists annually before 2017, a number that has now risen to 67 crore, largely due to enhanced security. "All major temples and religious sites are being rejuvenated. Earlier, every district had one dominant mafia, but today, under the fear of 'Bulldozer Baba,' criminals are fleeing the state," he remarked. The development package includes conservation and beautification of religious structures, improvement of roads and ghats, enhanced lighting systems, construction of parks, upgraded tourist facilities, and strengthening of overall infrastructure. These works are expected to benefit the local population while offering better amenities to domestic and international visitors. According to the minister, the projects will boost employment and economic activity in the region, generating direct and indirect opportunities for local traders, artisans and youth. Situated on the banks of the Ganga, about 35 km from Sangam city on the Prayagraj-Lucknow highway, Shringverpur Dham is being developed as a major centre for rural, religious and spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh. Work began ahead of Mahakumbh 2025 with a budget of over Rs.37.81 crore. Earlier, on December 13, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shringverpur Dham Corridor as part of 167 development projects worth Rs.5,500 crore launched in Prayagraj....