Renukaji shrine to be developed as religious tourism hub
The Renukaji shrine, a revered pilgrimage site in Sirmaur district of the state, is set to undergo significant development as a hub of religious tourism.
A comprehensive plan to beautify and upgrade the area within a radius of 1-1.5 km around the shrine is being prepared. A five-member team from the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board (HPTDB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently visited the site to explore development possibilities and formulate a detailed project proposal for the ADB funding.
During the visit, the team held consultations with various stakeholders, including district officials and representatives from the Khalakyar, Jamu Koti and Dadahu panchayats. These interactions aimed to gather suggestions for the proposed plan. Utsav Patra, who led the team, stated that the beautification project would be designed with inputs from government officials, local residents and elected representatives to ensure inclusivity and relevance.
The development plan is expected to address critical infrastructure and visitor amenities, including public toilets, drinking water facilities, electricity, cleanliness, transportation, parking and accommodation. These measures are intended to improve the experience for both pilgrims and tourists while enhancing the site’s overall appeal.
The visiting team included consultants Vandana Kaushik and Somi Chatterjee, along with HPTDB architects Monica Verma and Shivani Chauhan. They documented the shrine’s tourism potential and outlined strategies to develop the area sustainably. Their observations and recommendations will be pivotal in drafting a comprehensive proposal.
A meeting to discuss the development plan saw active participation from local stakeholders, including Bharat Singh Thakur, CEO of the Renukaji Development Board; Pankaj Garg, head of Dadahu Panchayat; Ranbir Singh, Panchayat Secretary; Sheela Devi, head of Khalakyar Panchayat; and Deep Ram, head of Jamu Koti Panchayat. Members of women’s self-help groups and other community leaders were also present to provide their opinion.
The Renukaji shrine holds immense religious and cultural significance, making it a prime candidate for such development initiatives. Once finalised, the detailed plan will be submitted to the ADB for funding, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for the region. This project is expected to not only preserve the sanctity of the shrine but also boost the local economy by attracting a larger number of visitors, thus benefiting the surrounding communities.
