Centre’s nod for Adi Badri road project, will reduce travel time

The Union Forest and Environment Ministry has approved a 7-km road project in Sirmaur district and neighbouring Haryana that will provide direct access to Adi Badri, believed to be the place of origin of the Saraswati river. It will create a direct route to Adi Badri within Himachal Pradesh, eliminating the need to travel through Haryana. At present, visitors from Nahan have to travel either 70 km through Haryana or 50 km via Kolar and Haryana to reach Adi Badri. The new road will reduce the journey by over 50 per cent, making it preferable for pilgrims and tourists.

Adi Badri, located near the Himachal-Haryana border in Yamunanagar district, is not only a site of religious importance but also the focal point of a significant regional development project aimed at revitalising the Saraswati. The proposed project includes the construction of a dam that will create an around 4 km-long lake, enhancing the area’s appeal and promoting tourism. The dam to be constructed by the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation will cover 31.72 hectares in Matar panchayat of Nahan and cost Rs 215.33 crore. The structure, measuring 101.06 metres in width and 20.5 metres in height, will store 224.58 hectares of water every year, with allocations for both Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. The stored water will flow into the Saraswati, aiding in its revival while supporting agriculture and tourism.

This dam’s construction forms a vital component of a broader regional plan to boost tourism and environmental rejuvenation. The lake will offer opportunities for water-based tourism, likely to attract both religious and leisure tourists. The combined impact of the road and dam projects is expected to boost tourism in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Other nearby religious sites, including Kapal Mochan and Mata Mantra Devi Temple in Yamunanagar, are also expected to see an increase in visitors. The lake will enable activities like water sports, contributing to the local economy.

The road will be partially built along the National Highway-7 under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana while Haryana’s Public Works Department will construct the last 2-km stretch in its territory.

Nahan MLA Ajay Solanki says funds and approvals for the project are in place and tenders are expected to be issued soon. Public Works Department officials emphasise the road’s importance not just for access to Adi Badri but also as a facilitator for the dam project and regional tourism growth. The construction of both road and dam is anticipated to begin shortly.