Wait for Jyotisar centre in Kurukshetra gets longer

The wait for the completion of the ambitious Mahabharata-themed interpretation centre project at Jyotisar Tirtha is getting longer.

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Of five galleries at the centre, two were opened by PM Narendra Modi virtually in February last year, and the project was expected to be completed in a phased manner by last year. However, the two galleries are opened occasionally. During the Budget speech, CM Nayab Singh Saini informed that about 80 per cent work had been completed. The project cost is over Rs 200 crore.

Development of Jyotisar Tirtha and the interpretation centre project are among the ambitious projects of the government as it has been making efforts to develop Kurukshetra as a major tourist destination. However, the delay in the completion of the project has been a matter of concern.

The project started in 2018 and was to be completed in 2021, but was delayed due to Covid, and issues pertaining to funds, hiring consultant and incessant rains. A large number of equipment being used in the project were imported from other countries, and the delay in arrival also hit the project.

Honorary secretary of Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) Upender Singhal said, “The project is being executed by the Haryana Tourism Corporation. The project has got delayed due to various reasons. The two galleries were made operational, but they are opened occasionally. The board is in touch with Haryana Tourism officials, and are hopeful that the project will be completed soon.”

Officials from the Haryana Tourism Corporation visited the site today. An official associated with the project said, “Jyotisar is a big project and attention is being paid to every single detail. The project is in its final stages. Since customised items are being used in the project, it was taking time to get the items arranged and prepared as per the requirement and designs. A customised panel for distribution of lighting in all five blocks and an audio guide system are to be installed. The equipment have been arranged and will be installed soon. The mannequins, projectors and other items, as per the concept designs, are already in place, and the project will be completed soon.”

Meanwhile, Madan Mohan Chhabra, chairman of 48-kos Tirtha Monitoring Committee, said, “Efforts are being made by the Haryana Tourism and KDB to complete the project. Tourists and devotees will get a new experience as they will be witnessing some untouched stories related to Mahabharata.”