Shimla, 14 January 2025: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced plans to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the beautification and infrastructural development of prominent temples, including Baba Balak Nath, Mata Shri Chintpurni, Shri Naina Devi, and Maa Jwalaji. Speaking at a review meeting of the Art, Language, and Culture Department in Shimla, Sukhu underlined enhancing facilities for devotees to boost religious tourism.
“Temples will be beautified, and infrastructure will be strengthened to provide devotees with world-class amenities,” said the Chief Minister.
He added that the efforts are expected to attract more pilgrims while promoting tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister also revealed plans to organize district-level festivals starting next financial year, with at least one cultural evening reserved exclusively for local artists.
“We have allocated 33% of the total festival expenditure for local artists and aim to fix their honorarium to ensure their recognition,” Sukhu said.
The government has notified 107 fairs, including four international, five national, 29 state-level, and 69 district-level events, with an assistance grant of Rs 1.10 crore allocated for the 2024-25 financial year.
Highlighting other cultural initiatives, Sukhu said the digital museum project at Bantony Castle in Shimla would be completed within the year, while plans are underway to develop the International Roerich Memorial Trust as a tourist attraction.
The review meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Director of Language and Culture Dr. Pankaj Lalit, and other senior officials.
