Lucknow, June 17 -- Uttar Pradesh government has fast-tracked the work on tourism and religious development projects approved up to March 31 this year, with construction on 33 sites being launched in eight districts, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said on Tuesday. "The government's priority is 'Astha Ke Sath Vikas' (Development with faith). Religious, historical, and archaeological sites are being beautified and equipped with better basic facilities for devotees and tourists," Singh said. He added that the government aims to strengthen the temple economy by encouraging investment in the sector and increasing employment and economic activities at the local level. He said, "Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam has been entrusted with the responsibility of executing all 33 projects in the eight districts, with a total estimated cost of over Rs 79.18 crore."The projects include one each in Lucknow and Sitapur, seven in Mirzapur, five in Bhadohi, two in Sonbhadra, two in Hamirpur, three in Mahoba, and six each in Banda and Chitrakoot. The government's effort is to connect various religious sites across the state with modern facilities and give a boost to religious tourism. Singh said Rs.11.99 crore has been approved for tourism development of Hulaskheda in Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, and Rs 1.49 crore for the establishment of Vedaranyam at Naimisharanya Dham in Sitapur. The minister said that tendering procedures for starting work on almost all the projects are currently in progress....