UP govt sanctions Rs 7 crore to develop Sambhal as religious tourism hub

Sambhal, Jul 11 (PTI) Sambhal is set to emerge as a significant religious tourism hub with the Uttar Pradesh government sanctioning Rs 7 crore for the beautification and development of various ancient religious sites in the district, officials said.

Of the total sanctioned amount, Rs 3 crore will be specifically allocated for the beautification of the ancient Kalki Temple, believed in Hindu mythology to be the site of Lord Vishnu's tenth and final avatar in Kali Yuga.

Plans are underway for a comprehensive overhaul of the Kalki Dham, Shankh Madhav Teerth, and several other religious locations, they said.

Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vikas Chandra inspected key sites, including Shankh Madhav Teerth, Rishikesh Mahakoop, Mrityu Koop, and the Kalki Temple, to outline the development plans.

"This is not merely religious development but a concrete initiative towards re-establishing the city's dignity," Chandra stated.

Addressing reporters, Chandra detailed the enhancements planned for the Kalki Temple. These include a grand circumambulation path (parikrama marg), religious paintings, a beautiful garden, seating arrangements for devotees, and the installation of a magnificent statue of Lord Kalki's horse.

A survey has commenced, and work is expected to begin within the next month.

This latest development follows a series of initiatives by the district administration in Sambhal. After incidents of violence post a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24 last year, the district administration on December 14 reopened the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple, which had been closed for 46 years.

Furthermore, efforts have been made to identify and revive Sambhal's numerous lost pilgrimage sites, wells, and 'koops'.

The administration has also started working on developing Sambhal's 68 pilgrimage sites, 19 'koops', and 8 ASI-protected monuments, with the newly sanctioned Rs 7 crore now specifically allocated for the development of these pilgrimage sites, said the officer. PTI COR CDN RHL