Shekhawat, Mein felicitated in New Delhi

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 3, 2024

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, and Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Chaudhary were felicitated at a special Swasti Kaamna Samaroh organized by VIPRA Foundation.

The event took place at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on July 2 and was organized to mark the ongoing development of the sacred Parshuram Kund.

Addressing the event, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein expressed gratitude to the people for their continued support and faith in re-electing the BJP to power for the third consecutive time. He highlighted that this sustained support has enabled the government to consistently work towards fostering development across the nation.

Mein emphasized that the development of Parshuram Kund is one of the projects prioritized by the Central government in Arunachal Pradesh under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme. He acknowledged the role of the VIPRA Foundation, which is closely associated with the development of the Kund alongside government efforts.

Recalling a significant milestone associated with the pilgrimage project, Mein highlighted the long-term efforts of the VIPRA Foundation in promoting and developing the Parshuram Kund site. He mentioned the donation of a 51 ft bronze statue of Lord Parshuram, with its foundation stone laid by Union Minister Amit Shah in May 2022.

Mein commented on the progress of the statue installation, noting that during his onsite inspection, the foundation work was completed, and construction of the retaining wall on the hillside was ongoing, expected to finish within a month.

He further instructed the department to initiate landscaping, beautification, and the construction of the approach road at the earliest.

Mein further informed the gathering that during the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC) meeting on June 26, the Arunachal Pradesh government approved the “Construction of River Front in Parshuram Kund in Lohit District” project under NESIDS (North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme) with a budget of Rs 50 crore. This proposal will soon be submitted to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for swift sanctioning.

In addition to this, the state government has allocated an additional Rs 50 crore for the comprehensive development of Parshuram Kund.

The project aims to construct a 200-meter River Front along the left bank of the Lohit River at the Mela Ground of Parshuram Kund. Key components of the project include lawns, walkways, a ramp for vertical movement, a viewing deck, an outdoor amphitheater, a viewing tower, and a ritual deck for ash immersion by devotees. These elements are designed to enhance the visitor experience and facilitate various activities at Parshuram Kund.

The development project aims to create a recreational space for devotees attending the ‘holy dip’ Mela at the Sacred Kund during Makar Sankranti in January, which attracts more than 100,000 pilgrims. This initiative is expected to boost interstate tourism and enhance socio-economic activities in the area.

Previously, the Central government, through the Ministry of Tourism, sanctioned Rs 37.87 crore under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) Scheme. This funding has facilitated various developmental works at Parshuram Kund, including waiting halls for pilgrims, dining areas, dharamshalas (rest houses), kiosks, guest houses, concrete steps with railings

The development project aims to create a recreational space for devotees attending the ‘holy dip’ Mela at the Sacred Kund during Makar Sankranti in January, which attracts more than 100,000 pilgrims. This initiative is expected to boost interstate tourism and enhance socio-economic activities in the area.

Previously, the Central government, through the Ministry of Tourism, sanctioned Rs 37.87 crore under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) Scheme. This funding has facilitated various developmental works at Parshuram Kund, including waiting halls for pilgrims, dining areas, dharamshalas (rest houses), kiosks, guest houses, concrete steps with railings leading to the Kund, and other necessary infrastructure enhancements.

Mein further anticipated that after hydropower, tourism would become the biggest industry in the state, contributing to sustainable development and aiding in achieving the objective of a self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh. He sought the Union Minister’s support and guidance for the development of the tourism industry in the state, envisioning a “Viksit Arunachal Pradesh” (Developed Arunachal Pradesh).

Mein also expressed optimism that with the support of the Minister of Tourism, as well as stakeholders such as the VIPRA Foundation and the International Society for Parshuram Consciousness, along with well-wishers, Parshuram Kund will be transformed into one of the largest pilgrimage sites in the Northeast region in the coming days. The event was attended by Sushil Ojha, founder of VIPRA Foundation, organizing chairman Ratan Sharma, organization general secretary of Jodhpur Zone Rahul Sharma, and other prominent figures.