Garhwal Post Bureau
Champawat, 2 Dec: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan today visited the historic Goljyu Devta Temple in Chaand, the ancient Baleshwar Temple in Champawat, to review the progress of ongoing development works. Bardhan is on a tour of Kumaon these days. The ongoing projects at these places are aimed at strengthening the district’s expanding religious tourism circuit.
At the Goljyu Devta Temple premises, the Chief Secretary undertook a detailed inspection of the proposed Goljyu Devta Corridor project, where Executive Engineer, PWD, Mohan Palariya briefed him extensively on the project’s components, structural plan and implementation schedule. The CS walked through the Corridor area to assess the proposed construction, beautification measures and improvements in accessibility, and directed officials to ensure that all works are completed within the stipulated timeframe and maintained at high quality standards so that the site may emerge as a major centre of religious tourism.
Bardhan later also inspected the Baleshwar Temple complex and reviewed the requirements for the beautification of the temple precincts and the adjoining naula, a traditional water source of cultural significance. He directed the officials to coordinate closely with the Archaeology Department to ensure that the beautification is undertaken in a manner that preserves the natural and cultural character of the ancient temple. Bardhan remarked that both the Goljyu Devta Temple, regarded as a symbol of justice and folk devotion and the Baleshwar Temple, known for its heritage value and intricate stone architecture, and that they hold immense cultural importance for the region. He emphasised that their conservation, beautification and the development of better visitor facilities will further enhance the scope of religious tourism in Champawat, thereby generating employment and boosting local economic activities.
Among those present during the inspection were Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, District Magistrate Manish Kumar, SP Ajay Ganpati, Chief Development Officer (CDO) GS Khati, ADM Krishnanath Goswami, District Tourism Officer Lata Bisht and senior officials from various departments.
