Malwa, Oct 26 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday laid the foundation stone for the first phase of the Rs 85.40-crore Maa Baglamukhi Devi Lok project in Nalkheda, aiming to develop the famous temple town into a major destination for religious tourism.
The project is being developed at the premises of the world-famous Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda, in Agar-Malwa district. The state government plans to provide improved infrastructure and world-class facilities for devotees visiting the shrine from across the country and abroad.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Yadav said the project would strengthen the religious significance of Nalkheda and attract more pilgrims to the region.
“The Maa Baglamukhi Devi Lok will emerge as a major centre of faith, spirituality, devotion and religious tourism in the coming years,” the Chief Minister said.
The first phase includes the construction of a 108-foot-high main temple spire and development of the main temple across 2,800 square metres.
The plan also includes 220 halls for religious rituals and Vedic ceremonies, a cowshed spread over 625 square metres, and a temple corridor and courtyard to facilitate the movement of devotees and improve arrangements for worship.
Four grand entrance gates, a boundary wall, a building for VIP visitors, parking facilities for cars and buses, and toilet blocks will also be constructed.
Landscaping, gardens, lighting, fire safety arrangements and other essential infrastructure are part of the development plan. The Chief Minister said road connectivity to Nalkheda was also being improved to ensure convenient and safe travel for pilgrims.
“A new bypass of around 14 km is being constructed between Amla and Nalkheda at a cost of more than Rs 55 crore. A new high-level bridge over the Lakhunder River is also being built for Rs 13.77 crore to ensure safe and convenient movement of devotees,” Yadav said.
He said the state government had resolved to develop more than 14 religious sites as major spiritual destinations. These include Orchha, Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, Ekatma Dham in Omkareshwar and Chitrakoot.
Yadav said the development of Mahakal Lok following its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had transformed the Malwa region, adding that work on the Maa Baglamukhi Devi Lok project was being accelerated.
The plan also includes the development of grand ghats along the banks of the Lakhunder River, improved accommodation facilities, paved roads and expanded parking areas.
–IANS
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