Friday, 07 May 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
The government has moved a step ahead in its plan of developing Badrinath as a smart spiritual township. On Thursday, an agreement was signed between the Sri Kedarnath Utthan Trust and public sector companies of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for works amounting to about Rs 100 crore for this purpose. The agreement was signed in the presence of chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a programme held virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the oil companies are committed to the transformation of Badrinath. In the future, some works on the lines of Badrinath and Kedarnath will also be undertaken for Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarkashi district. Along with embankment works along the Alaknanda in Badrinath, other construction and beautification works including construction of plaza, water drainage, sewerage, lights, CCTV cameras, public address system, toilets and bridges are proposed to be undertaken.
Speaking on the occasion, Rawat said that the Kedarnath reconstruction started after the 2013 disaster under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now in its final stages. The PM had also decided to develop Badrinath as a smart spiritual township. Considering the requirements for the next 100 years, works will be undertaken in a phased manner on 85 hectare area in Badrinath. Special attempts are being made to increase the facilities for pilgrims here, said the CM. He appreciated the contribution of oil companies in the development of Badrinath. The focus of the state government is also on encouraging homestays in the area to provide affordable facilities to devotees arriving here. The state government is committed to transform Badrinath in the next three years, added Rawat.
The State’s Tourism and Culture minister Satpal Maharaaz said that Badrinath is important from both the religious and economic points of view. Thousands of people get employment here. He stressed that focus has to be laid to ensure that the environment is not damaged during the reconstruction works. The expansion of the hospital is proposed in the first stage of the work here. Along with this, riverfront development, strengthening of embankments, landscaping, holding area in case of crowding and retrofitting of bridges among other works are also to be executed. Chief secretary Om Prakash was also present on the occasion.
