Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) plans to re-develop tourism hotels in the state and set up 12 Jyotirlingas in Mandi Shiv Dham for tourist attraction.
“Himachal Pradesh has a spiritual significance and this is a plus point for tourism. The Mandi Shiv Dham is going to be a sacred destination in this regard. I do agree that the tender process for this project began in the previous government, but the ongoing investigations have prompted the decision to conduct fresh tenders to ensure transparency and accountability,” said the Chairman of HPTDC, RS Bali.
Talking to media persons here, he said that Rs 33.44 crore would be spent on developing Mandi Shiv Dham. Bali said the initial budget allocation for developing 12 Jyotirlingas in Mandi Shiv Dham was Rs 38 crore, out of which Rs 16 crore has been utilized by the previous administration.
“In a demonstration of commitment to the project, the present government has allocated an additional Rs 11.62 crore, bringing the total budget to Rs 33.44 crore. This funding will be sourced from the state budget and the Asian Development Bank (ADB),” the HPTDC Chairman said, revealing that four Jyotirlingas have already been constructed, with plans to develop the remaining eight.
Bali said a thorough investigation is underway into the previous irregularities and appropriate actions would be taken based on the findings. He underscored the present government's commitment to ensure that the project proceeds smoothly under the stewardship of a new contractor.
The Mandi Shiv Dham project conceptualized as a key initiative during the previous BJP government, faced scrutiny and opposition from different quarters. However, with the change in government, efforts to investigate and revitalize the project have gained momentum.
Bali affirmed that the government remains steadfast in its mission to realize the vision of developing Mandi Shiv Dham into a revered pilgrimage site.
He outlined plans to categorize and modernize HPTDC properties to meet the evolving needs of tourists. The first phase will focus on iconic establishments like Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla and the state guest house Peterhoff.
Amidst speculation about his candidature for the Kangra Lok Sabha seat in the forthcoming elections, Bali clarified that his primary focus remains on serving his constituency as an MLA. While acknowledging the importance of party decisions, he affirmed his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents and contributing to the development of Himachal Pradesh.
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