Yogi govt to develop the origin site of the Gomti River with ₹10.4 million

Tourism Department initiative to create tourism facilities at the sacred origin of the Gomti River in Pilibhit district

The Gomti River flows for 960 km across Uttar Pradesh, preserving faith and cultural heritage

Development of the sacred origin of the Gomti River will open a new chapter in tourism: Minister Jaiveer Singh

Lucknow/Pilibhit, June 2026 : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is continuously taking significant steps to elevate religious and cultural tourism to new heights. Following the comprehensive development of major pilgrimage destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Naimisharanya, and Vindhya Dham, the state government has now decided to develop the sacred origin of the life-giving Gomti River into a world-class tourism and spiritual destination.

In this direction, the Tourism Department has approved a project worth ₹10.4 million for the development of the Gomti River’s origin site, located in Kalinagar Tehsil of Puranpur Assembly constituency in Pilibhit district.

An amount of ₹7.8 million has already been released in the first phase. Upon completion, the site will emerge as a major attraction for religious, cultural, and nature-based tourism.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Human civilization has always flourished along riverbanks. The Gomti River, a lifeline of Uttar Pradesh and a symbol of the state’s cultural and spiritual heritage, originates from Gomat Tal (formerly known as Phulhar Lake) near Madhotanda village in Pilibhit district. Revered in the Sanatan tradition, the river irrigates vast stretches of the state and serves as the source of livelihood and sustenance for millions of people.”

He added, “The Tourism Department is developing the Gomti origin site into a prominent spiritual, cultural, and tourism destination.”

The project includes the construction of modern infrastructure to enhance the experience of pilgrims and tourists. A multipurpose hall will be built at a cost of approximately ₹4.869 million, while a modern toilet block will be constructed for ₹1.344 million and a visitor shed for ₹945,000.

Additionally, interlocking pathways, landscaped gardens, beautification works, solar-powered amenities, and other visitor facilities will also be developed.

The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has been entrusted with implementing the project.

The Gomti River holds a special place in the Sanatan tradition. It originates from the ancient Phulhar Lake (Gomat Tal) in the Madhotanda area of Pilibhit district.

Traversing nearly 960 kilometres, the river nourishes districts including Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Hardoi, Sitapur, Lucknow, Barabanki, Sultanpur, and Jaunpur before finally merging with the Ganga in Ghazipur district.

According to Hindu tradition, Lord Shri Ram took a holy dip in the Gomti River after his victory over Lanka. Naimisharanya, regarded as the sacred penance site of 33 crore deities, is also situated on the banks of the Gomti. For this reason, the river is considered a revered bearer of Uttar Pradesh’s religious faith and cultural heritage.

Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is committed to giving its natural heritage a distinct global identity. The origin of Maa Gomti is not merely a geographical location but an important centre of Sanatan faith and traditional cultural life. Its holistic development will provide better facilities for pilgrims and tourists alike. Our endeavour is to ensure that every sacred heritage site of the state earns a place of honour on the global tourism map.”