Inquiry ordered into works at Jageshwar, Katarmal temples

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, August 22 

Tourism and Irrigation Minister Satpal Maharaj today announced an enquiry into the alleged misappropriation of funds allocated by the Central government for initiating development works at Jageshwar and Katarmal temples.

“The enquiry will be conducted by Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary, Uttarakhand Tourism. The development carried by the agencies hired by the previous government did not follow the guidelines set by the Archaeological Survey of India,” alleged Satpal Maharaj, while addressing mediapersons. 

He said the  work comprising development of tourism infrastructure did not adhere to the 200 metre limit set by the Archaeological Survey of India. 

The Centre had sanctioned Heritage Circuit Project ‘Swades’ for developing tourism infrastructure in Jageshwar-Devidhura-Katarmal-Baijnath sites at a cost of Rs 83 crore. The highlights of the project include development of eco-log huts, sound and light show and upgrading of temple pathways.

The work was carried by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), but it was stopped midway after the ASI raised objections. 

He said a memorandum of understanding would be inked with the UP government on the water sharing and other issues pertaining to Jamrani Dam on August 24 and 25. 

The multipurpose dam envisaged in 1975 is expected to provide drinking to Haldwani and Nainital, along with Bijnor and Rampur districts in Uttar Pradesh. The issue has been hanging fire since 2000 and is now nearing resolution. 

The department is also holding talks with the Central government to upgrade Institute of Hotel Management to a Central institute. “We will be able to raise the number of seats from 220 to 240,” he said. 

He e prehistoric tourism circuit at Lakotiyar in Almora would be promoted. “The prehistoric sites in Almora are more than 5,000 years old and we will develop a new prehistoric circuit to attract visitors,” he said.