Uttarakhand News: During the last 12 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the development of religious and spiritual places in Uttarakhand has gained unprecedented momentum. The Prime Minister’s visits to Kedarnath, Badrinath and Adi Kailash along with various ongoing development projects have led to global branding of the pilgrimage sites of Devbhoomi. This is the reason that today Uttarakhand is not only a center of faith but is also registering its strong presence among the major destinations of global spiritual tourism.
The disaster of 2013 had caused huge devastation in Kedarnath Dham, as the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi had shown interest in the reconstruction of Kedarnath Dham. About a year later, he got a chance to lead the country. After this the Central Government started work on Kedarnath Redevelopment Project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has reached Kedarnath several times to review this project. As a result, modern facilities were developed in Kedarpuri and the divinity and grandeur of the Dham was established in a new form. Similarly, extensive development work is going on in Badrinath Dham under the master plan. Work is in progress on various projects worth about Rs 255 crore to develop Badrinath as a smart spiritual hill town. The objective of these schemes is to provide better facilities to the devotees as well as to preserve the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Dham.
Pilgrimage will become easier with ropeway
For the convenience of pilgrims, the Central Government has now approved ropeway projects for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib. The 12.9 km long ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath will be constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 4,081 crore. The construction of 12.4 km long ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib is proposed at a cost of approximately Rs 2,730 crore. After the completion of these projects, the journey will be more convenient and safe for the elderly, women and disabled devotees. Besides, religious tourism will also get a new impetus.
Adi Kailash and Manaskhand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Adi Kailash proved to be a historic opportunity to give global recognition to the border areas of Uttarakhand. Pictures of Adi Kailash and Parvati Kund located in Pithoragarh district became a topic of discussion in the country and the world. This not only promoted religious tourism but also created new possibilities of development and employment in marginal areas. Meanwhile, Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission has been started for the conservation of temples and cultural heritage of Kumaon division. Through this mission, many ancient temples are being connected with tourism facilities, better connectivity routes and modern infrastructure.
Improved connectivity with all weather road
Chardham All Weather Road Project has given a new strength to the religious pilgrimage of Uttarakhand. Chardham Yatra has become more accessible due to better and safe road connectivity. This has boosted the local economy along with the increase in the number of devotees. At the same time, work is also being done towards the grand development of Yamuna pilgrimage site in Haripur Kalsi area. This project will provide a new dimension to the religious faith, cultural heritage and tourism activities associated with the Yamuna River. These efforts have laid a strong foundation towards including Uttarakhand among the major spiritual tourism destinations of the world.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the spiritual and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand has got a new identity. Connectivity has improved through Kedarnath-Badrinath Dham Redevelopment Project, Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, Ropeway and Chardham Road Project. Our government is continuously working to develop Uttarakhand as a major spiritual and cultural tourism center of the world.
Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand