Government enhances pilgrim experience through heritage development

Shimla Sept 21

Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government has shown remarkable commitment to conserve the State’s cultural heritage while modernizing religious sites and improving facilities for devotees. The government has so far sanctioned over Rs. 550 crore for conservation and development works, exhibiting its strong resolve to safeguard age old traditions and customs vis-à-vis keeping pace with modernity.

Nearly Rs. 50 crore has been approved for the restoration of ancient temples, forts and archaeological sites. In addition, around Rs. 37 crore have been sanctioned for development works in temples. To improve the convenience of pilgrims the innovative SUGAM Darshan system was introduced at Shree Chintpurni temple in August, 2023. Apart from routine crowd management, special facilities for the elderly and specially-abled individuals are also being provided. Online langar booking and online darshan have also been launched and would soon be extended to other temple trusts.

A sum of Rs. 56.26 crore sanctioned for Shree Chintpurni Temple to promote religious tourism, while a Rs. 250 crore grand complex is under construction at the temple. Further, Rs. 100 crore each has been approved for the development of Shree Jwalaji and Shree Naina Devi Temples.

To uphold the sanctity of rituals, priests were being provided special training. Recently, 15 priests from Shree Chintpurni Temple and 10 priests from Shree Naina Devi Temple underwent online training through Banaras Hindu University and more priests will be trained in phased manner.

Financial support has also been extended to cultural and religious institutions. About Rs. 11.16 crore has been sanctioned for maintenance of cultural heritage, while rupees one crore annually is being given under the recurring fund scheme for regular worship and infrastructure. For smaller temples, the annual assistance for incense and lighting has been doubled for 2025-26.