Govt committed to preserve, develop Tirthas: Haryana CM

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday said the government was committed to preserving and developing all Tirthas under 48-kos land of Kurukshetra and called on the representatives of the Tirthas to play active role in improving sanitation conditions at the Tirthas.

While addressing the representatives of Tirthas at the 48-kos Tirtha Sammelan, the Chief Minister said, “All sections of society have been getting opportunities and respect under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The country is moving ahead on the path of development. Kurukshetra is being developed as a major tourism destination and the infrastructure is being strengthened.”

“Kurukshetra and Jyotisar have got recognition at the world level and people across the world reach here to pay obeisance on the holy land. There are believed to be 367 Tirthas under the 48 kos land of which several have become extinct with time. While 182 Tirthas have been documented, efforts are being made to identify more Tirthas for which survey is being conducted. The government is committed to developing and preserving the Tirthas. Over the last five years a budget of Rs 76 crore has been approved for 93 development works under the Kurukshetra Development Board of which a budget of Rs 57 crore has been already released”, he added.

The CM said, “We are trying to start a 48-kos Tirtha yatra on the lines of 84-kosi yatra, and start trains from Kurukshetra to Mathura and Hardwar. The Mahabharata themed interpretation centre at Jyotisar is under construction at a cost of Rs 205 crore. The government has been working to strengthen the infrastructure of Kurukshetra. An elevated railway track has been constructed and soon it will be dedicated to the public, and the Central Government has given in-principle approval for the construction of Kurukshetra bypass, the construction of which will be started soon. The construction of the bypass will benefit not only the residents of Kurukshetra but also the people of the surrounding areas, ensuring better connectivity and better infrastructure in this holy land”.

Saini said there was a need to make collective efforts, especially the representatives of the Tirthas, to focus on the sanitation conditions and keep the Tirthas clean.

On the occasion, the CM launched Kurukshetra tour guide mobile application, Tirtha QR code, and first and second editions 48 kos Kurukshetra prepared by the Kurukshetra Development Board.

The CM also addressed a gathering at Pancha Janya-The Kurukshetra Dialogue, ‘The Resonance of Haryana’s step towards economic transformation’.

Earlier in the day, the CM paid obeisance at Jyotisar Tirtha, participated in havan, and also inquired about the under-construction interpretation centre.

Later in the evening, the CM offered traditional ‘Deep-Daan’ amid the blowing of conch and chanting of hymns at the Sannihit Sarovar to mark Gita Jayanti on the occasion of International Gita Mahotsav (IGM).

The Saras and Crafts fairs being organised as part of the IGM on the banks of Brahma Sarovar will conclude on December 15.

The Chief Minister participated in the Deepotsav on the occasion, and extended greetings of Gita Jayanti. Later, the CM along with Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar performed evening Aarti at the Brahma Sarovar.