Akhilesh to pedal 'cycle track' for tourism

The Akhilesh Yadav-led Uttar Pradesh government has revived the concept of ‘cycle track’ for the beautification of the state capital.

The humble cycle is the party symbol of the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. In its last regime preceding 2007, when Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) came to power, the SP regime had constructed a fenced ‘cycle track’ flanking the Lohia Path in the posh Gomti Nagar area of Lucknow.

However, the ‘cycle track’ got ‘punctured’ with the local civic authorities abandoning its upkeep under the rule of ‘Behanji’. Consequently, it was rendered unusable. Now, less than six months into power, the SP government is reviving the concept as a tourist attraction and civic amenity.

Chief Secretary Jawed Usmani on Thursday directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report on Gomti riverfront development project, including the ‘cycle track’ theme. The report would be later presented before the chief minister for review.

Under the project, a ‘hydrological study’ would be undertaken and a conceptualisation plan would be drafted for the identified spots along Gomti river. Suggestions from the citizenry would also be considered in the plan.

The open land in river front would be utilised for entertainment and development purposes.

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has been named the nodal agency for the project and has been directed to get the necessary groundwork prepared in right earnest.

The funds earlier allocated for the development of Gomti banks under various schemes could also be incorporated under the plan after due approvals, Usmani said. Tourism is a thrust area under the new regime and is likely to get a major boost under the new industrial policy announced by UP.