Infrastructure upgradation for Baba Balaknath Temple to boost religious tourism in Himachal: CM Sukhu

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 20 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Saturday that the state government has decided to enhance and upgrade the infrastructure of Baba Balaknath Temple at Deothsidh, located in Hamirpur district. He said that this temple was recognized as one of the most sacred and ancient pilgrimage sites, and the up-gradation of the infrastructure would boost religious tourism in the area.
To address congestion and ensure the smooth and safe movement of pilgrims, the state government has approved the installation of a ropeway at the temple, the Chief Minister said as per the press release.
"This 0.52-kilometer ropeway is expected to be constructed with an outlay of Rs. 65 crore and would connect the taxi parking area to the temple. He said that this temple was located at the top of mountain and currently faces major congestion, particularly during Navratras and other sacred days, when lakhs of devotees visit the temple, often resulting in inconvenience. The ropeway would help mitigate this problem and facilitate visitors," the chief minister said according to the press release.
He said that the Baba Balak Nath Temple is a significant pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of devotees from across North India. This temple serves not only as a spiritual centre but also as a hub for cultural and natural exploration in Himachal Pradesh. The temple's serene environment, combined with religious fervour 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 for the numerous pilgrims visiting the Baba Balaknath Temple. "Currently, there is a single road connecting the taxi parking to the temple, but the new ropeway would provide devotees with an alternative and memorable way to reach the temple," he said.
This project is also expected to create employment and self-employment opportunities for local people, thereby bolstering the area's economy.
Sukhu said that the present state government has accorded top priority to boosting tourism and the economy of the state, as thousands of families were directly or indirectly associated with tourism activities. He said that the state government has taken significant steps to ramp up infrastructure to make tourists' experiences more memorable.
He further said that besides religious tourism, the state government was actively focusing on adventure tourism, including water sports activities, given the many reservoirs in the state, and encouraging paragliding activities. The state government has set a target to increase tourist footfalls to five crore per annum in the near future. (ANI)