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The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Facelift for Chamundi Hills inches closer to reality under PRASHAD scheme
After years of back and forth between the Karnataka government and the Centre, there is finally some progress on the development of Chamundi Hills under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme of the Central government. The Department of Tourism has called a tender for the development of public amenities there. Chamundi Hills in Mysuru is one of the sites in Karnataka that has been considered for development under the scheme which aims to provide sustainable religious tourism, along with the Sri Renuka Yellamma temple in Saundatti in Belagavi and the Paapnaash Shiv Temple in Bidar. The scheme looks to meet the needs of devotees as well as tourists, and build amenities that would encourage both the groups to visit the site more often. Among the things that have been proposed for the Chamundi Hills project are drinking water and toilet facilities, a queue mandapa around the temple premises to ensure regular and unhindered pilgrim flow, stone columns along the stretch, redesigned steps of the hill, a multi-purpose hall, footwear stands, a fountain the around Mahishasura circle, a police booth, etc. While a tender was first called a few months ago, the estimated cost of development came up to ₹108 crore, which is ₹60 crore more than the Central government's allocation for the project. 'We sent the proposal back to the Central government for the release of the additional amount, but they did not agree to do it. We then requested the State government to provide the extra funds and received their approval. Now, the Centre will give ₹48 crore for the project, while the State will give ₹60 crore,' explained Salma Fahim, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department. She added, 'We hope that this time we can award the tender and the work can finally begin.' There had been a considerable delay in the release of funds from the Centre for the Chamundi Hills project which led to tensions during the South India Tourism Conclave held in September 2024 in Bengaluru. H.K. Patil, Minister of Tourism, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, had said that 'it was a matter of embarrassment.' The Union Minister had then retorted saying that there was some work pending on the State's part. Apart from the PRASHAD scheme, Chamundi Hills has also been included in the Centre's Swadesh Darshan 2.0., with an allocated cost of ₹23 crore. This will include a Tonga Ride Heritage Experience Zone and an Ecological Experience Zone.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
Dalhousie, Chamba and Mani Mahesh set for transformation as major heritage and pilgrimage destinations
Chamera lake, located near the town of Dalhousie, in the Chamba district CHAMBA: The picturesque hill stations of Dalhousie and Chamba, long admired for their serene landscapes, cool climate, and timeless charm, are on the verge of a grand transformation after the district administration decided to chalk out a comprehensive plan to develop Dalhousie and Chamba as prominent heritage destinations while promoting Mani Mahesh as a must-visit pilgrimage site aiming to attract both cultural enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. Mukesh Repaswal, Deputy Commissioner, Chamba, informed on Wednesday that the administration is drafting a proposal for the state government under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) project to promote Dalhousie and Chamba as heritage sites. Both Dalhousie and Chamba exude a distinct colonial-era charm, with quaint churches and elegant Victorian bungalows that beautifully complement Chamba's ancient temples, famed for their intricate wood carvings and timeless architectural detail. Similarly, Mani Mahesh is a sacred haven for Lord Shiva devotees. Its crown jewel, Mani Mahesh Lake, draws pilgrims for the annual Mani Mahesh Yatra, a spiritual trek through breathtaking Himalayan trails. Mukesh informed that the plan was proposed by Kangra Member of Parliament Rajeev Bharadwaj, following which a detailed proposal is being drafted and will be sent for approval. He said that the project, which is still in its nascent stage, promises to boost tourism, generate employment, and highlight Chamba's rich cultural and religious heritage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Complete protection with iPru All-in-one Term Plan ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo This transformation aims to turn these hill stations into must-visit destinations for enthusiasts of history, spirituality, and culture. Chamba-based businessman Kuljit Singh said that, as an aspirational district, Chamba stands to gain significant long-term benefits from the proposal. He said that it not only promises to boost tourism in general but also to strengthen heritage, leisure, and nature-based travel. He added that the project will create jobs and enhance the region's global appeal as a unique confluence of heritage and spiritual destinations, highlighting sites like Mani Mahesh, which Singh believes could emerge as one of India's next major religious tourism hotspots. ReplyReply to allForward Add reaction
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
64% of Simhachalam temple redevelopment works are completed so far, says Endowments Minister
Simhachalam temple redevelopment works are being carried out under the supervision of both the Tourism and the Endowment Departments, and about 64% works were completed so far, said Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy while expressing shock and sorrow over the loss of lives of seven devotees in the wall collapse incident. Addressing media at his home at Santhapeta in Nellore on Wednesday, he said, 'On the occasion of Chandanotsavam, temple darshan began from 2 a.m. on Wednesday. Due to heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, the rainwater flowed down from the hills causing the collapse of the newly-built wall. Immediate relief efforts have been initiated at the scene.' PRASHAD scheme The Union government is providing financial assistance to the State government for the development of famous temples at Simhachalam, Annavaram, Srisailam and Vijayawada under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme. The Union Ministry of Tourism had sanctioned ₹58.04 crore for the development at Simhachalam in 2022-23. 'The development works worth ₹31 crore have been completed at Simhachalam, however, the bills for ₹14 crore were paid till now. The works were going on at a slow pace due to delay in payments from the Centre. We have not yet inspected the quality of the ongoing works to ascertain the reason behind the wall collapse incident,' Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy told The Hindu. Three-member committee 'The government has constituted a three-member committee, headed by Special Chief Secretary Suresh Kumar, to probe the wall collapse incident and further action will be taken based on the investigation report. The investigation committee includes an Inspector General and an Engineer-in-Chief,' he informed. The Minister further said, 'As Chandanotsavam has been recognised as a government festival, Revenue Minister, Home Minister and I, as well as former Union Minister and Temple Trustee P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, have been supervising the arrangements for almost two months. Except for this unfortunate incident, everything went smoothly at the annual event.' Better treatment Expressing condolences to the families of the deceased persons, Visakhapatnam District In-charge Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy said, 'We are providing better treatment to the injured. Although the authorities have been working hard for months, this incident happened due to untimely rain. The government will take steps to ensure such incidents do not recur.'
