Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Announces New Ropeway for Baba Balaknath Temple
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Saturday that the state government will enhance and upgrade the infrastructure of Baba Balaknath Temple at Deothsidh in Hamirpur district. Recognized as one of the most sacred and ancient pilgrimage sites, the temple’s infrastructure upgrade aims to boost religious tourism.
To address congestion and ensure smooth and safe movement of pilgrims, the state government has approved the installation of a 0.52-kilometer ropeway costing Rs. 65 crore. This ropeway will connect the taxi parking area to the temple, which is located at the top of a mountain and faces major congestion during Navratras and other sacred days.
The Baba Balaknath Temple attracts thousands of devotees from across North India and serves as a spiritual center and a hub for cultural and natural exploration in Himachal Pradesh. The serene environment combined with religious fervor makes it a unique destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.
Chief Minister Sukhu stated that the development of the ropeway would significantly enhance the experiences of the devotees, ensuring safety and accessibility. The project is also expected to create employment and self-employment opportunities for local people, thereby bolstering the area’s economy.
The state government prioritizes boosting tourism and the economy, with thousands of families directly or indirectly associated with tourism activities. Besides religious tourism, the government is focusing on adventure tourism, including water sports and paragliding activities, aiming to increase tourist footfalls to five crore per annum in the near future.
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Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India known for its beautiful mountains and scenic landscapes.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister, who is the head of the government in a state in India.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu -: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the current Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Ropeway -: A ropeway is a type of transportation system where people are carried in cabins or cars that move on a cable, usually over hilly or mountainous areas.
Baba Balaknath Temple -: Baba Balaknath Temple is a famous religious site in Himachal Pradesh, dedicated to a Hindu deity named Baba Balaknath.
Hamirpur district -: Hamirpur district is an area in Himachal Pradesh where the Baba Balaknath Temple is located.
Rs. 65 crore -: Rs. 65 crore means 650 million Indian Rupees, which is a large amount of money used for big projects.
Congestion -: Congestion means overcrowding or too many people in one place, making it difficult to move around.
Pilgrims -: Pilgrims are people who travel to a holy place for religious reasons.
Religious tourism -: Religious tourism is when people travel to visit places that are important for their religion.
Local employment -: Local employment means creating job opportunities for people who live in the area.
Adventure tourism -: Adventure tourism involves travel to places where people can do exciting activities like hiking, climbing, or rafting.
Tourist footfalls -: Tourist footfalls refer to the number of tourists visiting a place.
Five crore -: Five crore means 50 million, which is a large number of people.