Kolkata's Famous Kalighat Temple, Heritage Structures Inside Complex To Be Renovated

Bengal Business Summit: Centuries-old heritage structures inside the temple complex will also be repaired.

Kalighat Temple in Kolkata is one of the 51 Shakti peeths

The famous Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, one of the 52 Shakti peeths, will be renovated and centuries-old heritage structures inside it will be repaired, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani announced on Tuesday at the Bengal Global Business Summit. The renovation work of the Kalighat temple complex will be carried out by Reliance Foundation.

Making the announcement, Ambani said, "We are in the process of repairing the entire temple complex, including the centuries-old heritage structures and restoring the same to their original glory."

The RIL chairman and managing director said the project was close to his heart and Reliance Foundation was committed to participate in the resurgence of a 'Glorious Bengal'.

The main shrine has the idol of Goddess Kali that has a long protruded tongue made out of gold. The original temple was built by Raja Basanta Roy, who was the uncle of the King of Jessore.

Last month, the Bengal Heritage Commission approved a plan to renovate the temple complex, which will have all modern amenities, a report in TOI said. The entire complex will see a major facelift, however, there won't be any alteration to the original structure and designs. 

A structural audit was conducted of the main Kali temple and it was found that the load-bearing capacity was in good condition with signs of distress on the ornamental layers. Lack of regular maintenance has also led to decay, accumulation of dust and movement of water from different levels, the TOI report said. Moreover, reinforced concrete structures were found to be in dilapidated conditions.

Speaking at the summit in Kolkata, Ambani announced investment of Rs 20,000 crore for West Bengal over the next three years. He said the focus would be on digital life solutions, retail and bio-energy.

"We plan to invest an additional Rs 20,000 crore in Bengal in the next three years for enhancing digital life solutions, augmenting Reliance Retail footprint and on bio-energy," Ambani said.