PM Modi conducts review of Kedarnath Project, says it should be eco-friendly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today, conducted a review of the Kedarnath Math development and reconstruction project with the Uttarakhand state government via video conferencing.  

On June 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting on the Kedarnath Math development and reconstruction project with the Uttarakhand government.  Portions of the Himalayan shrine in Uttarakhand were damaged in flash floods in 2013.

The foundation stone of the reconstruction project at Kedarnath was laid in 2017 by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said that the state Government should envision and design development projects for holy sites like Kedarnath and Badrinath in a way and manner that stands the test of time and is yet eco-friendly and in harmony with nature and its surroundings.

Chief minister of Uttarakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat and other senior officials also participated in the discussions.

Keeping in mind the present situation and comparatively lean pressure in terms of tourists and pilgrims to the holy sites, the Prime Minister suggested that the present construction season could be utilised for completing pending works by proper distribution of labour pools, keeping in mind the norms of social distancing. This will help to create facilities and infrastructure to better sustain tourism flows in the years to come.

As part of specific suggestions, the Prime Minister also gave directions for further development of other heritage and religious spots in the stretch extending from Ramban to Kedarnath. This work will be in addition to the re-development of the main shrine in Kedarnath.

The meeting also saw detailed discussions on topics related to status of development of Brahma Kamal vatika (garden) and museum to greet pilgrims enroute to Vasuki Taal, redevelopment of old town quarters and properties of historical significance keeping in-tact their original architectural façade as well as other facilities like eco-friendly parking spaces at a proper distance from the shrine and at regular intervals.

After the review, Modi tweeted, saying that the redevelopment emphasises that it should be eco-friendly and convenient for pilgrims as well as tourists.

"These efforts will deepen our cultural connect and boost tourism," he said.