PM Modi Reviews Kedarnath Reconstruction Work; Uttarakhand Locals Protest Against Chardham Yatra

The PM in the review meeting said along with the redevelopment of the Kedarnath main shrine other heritage and religious spots extending from Ramban to Kedarnath will also be developed.

PM also suggested the development of heritage and religious spots extending from Ramban to Kedarnath. (File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: In order to promote and preserve Indian heritage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasised on the reconstruction of popular holy site Kedarnath and asked the Uttarakhand state government to undertake more such development projects. The Prime Minister said that the state government should envision and design development projects for holy sites like Kedarnath and Badrinath in a manner that stands the test of time. The PM, who conducted a review of the Kedarnath Math development and reconstruction project through video conference, stressed that the reconstruction has to be eco-friendly and in harmony with nature and its surroundings.

In addition to the redevelopment at Kedarnath, we discussed ways to develop other heritage centres from Ramban to Kedarnath. Development of centres such as Brahma Kamal Vatika were also discussed.

These efforts will deepen our cultural connect and boost tourism. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2020

He also suggested the development of heritage and religious spots extending from Ramban to Kedarnath along with the re-development of the main shrine in Kedarnath, as per the statement by PMO. In view of the Coronavirus crises and comparatively fewer tourists and pilgrims visiting the holy sites, Modi suggested that the present construction season could be used in wrapping up the construction work with proper distribution of labour while observing the norms of social distancing. "This will help to create facilities and infrastructure to better sustain tourism flows in the years to come," the PM added. The review meeting also took note of the development of Brahma Kamal Vatika (garden) and museum to greet pilgrims en-route to Vasuki Taal, re-development of old town quarters and properties of historical significance keeping in-tact their original architectural facade as well as other facilities like eco-friendly parking spaces at a proper distance from the shrine and at regular intervals. It was attended by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and other senior officials. WATCH REPORT | PM Narendra Modi Reviews Kedarnath Reconstruction Project Meanwhile, the locals in the state are protesting against the 'Chardham Yatra' which comprises pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.  The priests and other stakeholders of the Kedarnath shrine have urged the authorities to not begin the yatra until June 30 even as the pilgrimage was allowed for the locals. Rawal of Tirth Purohit and Badrinath Dham made a request to the state CM and DM Chamoli for the yatra to commence after June 30 in view of the Coronavirus pandemic. The state has reported almost 1,500 cases and 13 people have succumbed to the deadly disease. Although the state has mentioned its preparedness and said medical staff including phramacists will be made available to help the devotees during the yatra.