Lucknow, Jan 8 (UNI) Boat rides along the Yamuna at the historic temple town of Bateshwar are set to offer visitors a richer and more engaging experience.
Local boatmen have now been trained not only in navigation but also in sharing the religious, cultural and historical narratives associated with Bateshwar, turning routine river crossings into meaningful cultural interactions.
As part of an initiative by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, nearly 40 local boatmen completed a three-day training programme from January 5 to 7 at the Atal Sankul Centre, Bateshwar.
The programme was organised with support from the Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management (MKITM), Lucknow, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said here on Wednesday that the initiative reflects the government’s focus on inclusive tourism and community participation.
He said that by training boatmen in storytelling, emergency response and digital payment systems, the department is strengthening local livelihoods while improving the overall visitor experience.
“The aim is to ensure that those who live and work at tourism sites become active partners in presenting the area’s heritage and traditions to visitors,” he said.
During the programme, MKITM storyteller Gaurav Srivastava familiarised participants with Bateshwar’s religious and cultural background and explained how local stories can be shared naturally with tourists during boat rides.
SDRF personnel conducted practical sessions on disaster management, CPR and first aid, while additional training focused on courteous behaviour and the use of online payment platforms.
At the conclusion of the programme, all trained boatmen were provided T-shirts and jackets to give them a common identity.
Deepak Kumar, one of the participants, thanked the Tourism Department for the initiative.
“Earlier, we only ferried visitors across the river. Now we can explain the importance of Bateshwar and its traditions. Tourists listen with interest, and it gives us pride in our work,” he said.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader effort to involve local communities directly in tourism activities, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach those living around key heritage destinations while preserving their cultural character.
