The Tourism and Culture minister Satpal Maharaj has written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting that the maintenance of Chaurasi Kutia also known as the Beatles Ashram near Rishikesh be handed over to the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB).
In his letter to the PM, the minister has pointed out that while Rishikesh is world famous for Yoga, there are various other destinations nearby which are akin to international level heritage tourism sites. The Chaurasi Kutia Ashram is one such site which is located near Rishikesh in the Swargashram area under Yamkeshwar block of Pauri district. Land for this Ashram was leased by the Forest department till 1998. Opened for tourists in 2015, the forest department manages this property. Recalling that the rock band The Beatles had visited Rishikesh in 1968, Maharaj said that they wrote 48 songs here which are included in their various albums. Considering tourism development and local requirements without damaging the environment, the vacant structures in this Ashram can be put to use and as in the past a Yoga training centre can be established again here. Along with a world class museum, eco-tourism can also be developed here.
The minister informed the PM that the state is making considerable efforts to make Chaurasi Kutia a major tourist attraction. Attempts are also being made to sign an agreement with the Beatles Story museum in Liverpool. This Ashram is among the various important locations included under the Tourism ministry’s Apni Dharohar Apni Pehchan scheme. Maharaj further informed that as it is part of Rajaji national park, Chaurasi Kutia is under the jurisdiction of the forest department and is a dilapidated condition due to lack of proper maintenance. Stating this, he requested Modi that it be handed over to the UTDB for maintenance so that it can be developed into an international destination and world heritage.
Monday, 28 December 2020 | PNS | Dehradun
