Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the proposed Yamuna-Krishna Temple in Kalsi and announced that ₹150 crore had been approved for the Hanol Master Plan, as the state government stepped up efforts to promote religious tourism and preserve the cultural heritage of the Jaunsar-Bawar region.
The programmes were organised to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and included the unveiling of a Goddess Yamuna statue, the inauguration of Hari Ghat and a special ‘Lamp of Blessings’ ceremony on the banks of the Yamuna.
During the ceremony, 2,100 lamps were lit along the riverbank. Dhami also lit a lamp and offered prayers for the happiness, prosperity, peace and welfare of the people of Uttarakhand. Saints, religious leaders, devotees, public representatives and local residents attended the event.
Yamuna-Krishna Temple To Strengthen Kalsi’s Religious Identity
Addressing the gathering, Dhami said the development of the Yamuna-Krishna Temple, Hari Ghat and other religious sites would help strengthen Kalsi’s spiritual and cultural identity.
He described Kalsi as a region with a rich history, faith and cultural heritage, and said the temple project would contribute to the religious and cultural development of the area.
Dhami also said that programmes showcasing India’s ancient spiritual traditions could help connect younger generations with the country’s heritage and promote Uttarakhand’s religious and cultural identity nationally and globally.
₹150 Crore Hanol Master Plan To Support Religious Tourism
The Chief Minister said the state government was working on the comprehensive development of the Jaunsar-Bawar region, with particular focus on religious and historical destinations.
He highlighted the approval of ₹150 crore for the Hanol Master Plan, describing it as an important step towards improving infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims and tourists visiting the area.
The government is also focusing on the beautification and development of Lakhamandal and other historical, religious and tourism destinations across the Jaunsar region.
Tourism Push Aimed At Creating Local Jobs
Dhami said the development of religious tourism infrastructure was intended to benefit local communities by creating employment and self-employment opportunities.
He said the expansion of tourism could support homestays, local products, handicrafts, transportation, food services and other businesses, particularly benefiting local youth and entrepreneurs.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the importance of preserving Jaunsar-Bawar’s distinctive folk culture, traditions, architecture and natural beauty alongside infrastructure development.
He said the state’s broader objective was to combine Uttarakhand’s spiritual and religious heritage with modern tourism facilities, strengthen the regional economy and generate livelihood opportunities.
MLA Munna Singh Chauhan, Secretary Ranveer Singh Chauhan, Additional Secretary Banshidhar Tiwari, Parmarth Niketan President Swami Chidanand Muni, public representatives, saints, religious leaders and local residents attended the event
