PM Modi reviews reconstruction work at Kedarnath, Badrinath
By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 22 Sep: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually reviewed the ongoing reconstruction works in Badrinath and Kedarnath. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the virtual meeting from the Secretariat, here. On this occasion, Chief Secretary Dr SS Sandhu, Officer on Special Duty, Tourism Department, Bhaskar Khulbe, Secretary, Tourism, Sachin Kurve, Union Secretary, Culture, Govind Mohan, Union Joint Secretary Rohit Yadav, and Union Deputy Secretary Mangesh Ghildiyal were also present.
Prime Minister Modi inquired about progress on the reconstruction works going on in Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams. He said that, in the coming time, the number of devotees in Kedarnath and Badrinath would increase significantly. The places near Kedarnath would also have to be developed from the point of view of spiritual tourism. For this, efforts would have to be made by developing the surrounding areas. He said that attention also needed to be paid to the accommodation and basic facilities available to the devotees between Rambaara and Kedarnath. The Prime Minister said that a complete plan ought to be prepared of what could be done from a spiritual perspective for the devotees in and around Vasukital, Garudchatti, Lincholi and their surroundings.
He added that, along with Badrinath, a plan ought to be also made to develop the surrounding areas as a model. Attention should be paid also to develop Mana village and its surrounding areas for rural tourism. A good model of the economy could be developed by promoting local culture and products. He added that, for the sake of convenience and safety of the devotees in Kedarnath and Badrinath, maximum cooperation should be taken from the government servants and doctors also. Public cooperation was also necessary with government efforts.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami observed that under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, the reconstruction work was going on at a fast pace in Badrinath and Kedarnath. For the convenience of the devotees, work is in progress day and night. A target has been set to complete all the works by December, 2023. So far, this year, more than 35 lakh registered devotees had visited the Chardham shrines.
Chief Secretary Dr SS Sandhu gave a presentation of the reconstruction works at Kedarnath and Badrinath. He said that the reconstruction work on the first phase in Kedarnath has been completed. In the second phase, 21 works worth Rs 188 crores are being done. Out of which, 3 works have been completed, while 6 works would be completed by December 2022. The remaining 12 works are targeted to be completed by July 2023. The gate had been constructed in Gaurikund. The work on Sangam Ghat would be completed by June 2023. The work on Ishaneshwar Temple would also be completed in a month. According to the master plan, all the works would be completed by December 2023. The Chief Secretary said that, in Badrinath, also, work is being done at a fast pace as per the master plan. The work at Sheesh Netra Lake and Badrish Lake would be completed in three months while the work on the river development project is expected to be completed by June 2023.
Secretary Govind Mohan informed through a presentation that there are four types of work to be done under the Ministry of Culture for Kedarnath, which would start soon. These include establishment of an Orientation Centre at Sonprayag, Chintan Sthal at Rambaara, Choti Lincholi, Badi Lincholi and Channi Camp, Shiv Udyan at Kedarnath and Kedar Gatha Museum in Kedarnath. All these works have been fully planned and prepared.
