Minister reviews temple development works

Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh chaired a joint meeting of the Shri Tara Devi Temple Trust and Sankat Mochan Temple Trust at the Tara Devi temple complex today. He emphasised that providing better facilities to devotees remains the top priority and assured that the state government is extending full support to temple development.

The minister stressed that development works should be carried out in a balanced and sustainable manner, as both temples attract lakhs of pilgrims every year. “The government is ensuring timely budget allocations and works at both temples are progressing at a rapid pace,” he said, after paying obeisance at Tara Devi temple.

At the meeting, it was revealed that Sankat Mochan temple owns 18 bighas of land and earns nearly Rs 1 crore annually. Discussions were held regarding the appointment of priests, with a proposal to introduce an interview-based selection process. Until a formal notification is issued, priests will be appointed temporarily.

The minister also asked PWD officials to prepare a report on expanding parking facilities to resolve congestion. He further announced the construction of a wrestling arena inside the temple premises at a cost of Rs 50 lakh, with Rs 10 lakh to come from his MLA Local Area Development Fund.