Strict action against departments delaying Simhastha works

Bhopal: Urban Administration & Development Minister Shri Babulal Gaur has said that strict disciplinary action will be ensured against the departments which delay construction and development works of Simhastha to be held at Ujjain in year 2016. He expressed displeasure over slow pace of work by Water Resources Department. Shri Gaur was reviewing progress of Simhastha works here today. At the meeting, discussions were also held on Rs. 2812 crore Simhastha action plan to be sent to the Union Government. Shri Gaur said that he will soon meet Union Ministers in New Delhi for sanction of the action plan. At the meeting, department-wise progress of works was reviewed.

Minister Shri Gaur said that devotees from country and all over the world reach Ujjain during Simhastha. He directed to provide world-level facilities for pilgrims at Ujjain. Shri Gaur said that much needs to be done for development of Lord Krishna’s Sandeepani Ashram along with Ujjain’s archaeologically important tourist places. He directed Tourism Development Corporation to make religious centres more attractive from tourism point of view. Attractive gallery and light & sound programmes should be prepared so that devotees can understand importance of Simhastha and Ujjain, he added.
Ujjain Commissioner Shri Arun Pandey informed about works being undertaken by Public Works, Health, Endowment & Home departments and Tirth-Sthan and Mela Development Authority. The commissioner informed that a ring road costing Rs. 94 crore is being constructed at Ujjain city. After its construction, distance between temples in the city and other religious places will be reduced to only 2.5 kilometers. He also informed about control room being built for security. The commissioner informed that Rs. 732 crore has been sanctioned for ongoing 106 Simhastha-related works. Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation is undertaking 4 works costing Rs. 198 crore through BOT.
Secretary Urban Administration Shri S.N. Mishra informed that a Rs. 503 crore project under JNNURM for preserving Kshipra river is being sent to the Union Government. He said that construction of all Simhastha works will be ensured within time-limit.
Commissioner Urban Administration Shri Sanjay Shukla informed that the department has chalked out a comprehensive fair plan for Simhastha. He informed that 4 works costing Rs. 146 crore have been sanctioned for Ujjain including water supply, traffic, extension of facilities to the urban poor and archaeological preservation.
Managing Director of Tourism Development Corporation Shri Raghavendra Singh informed that 2 works costing Rs. 12 crore being undertaken at Ujjain including upgradation of Kshipra Hotel and construction of a budget hotel. He also informed about proposed works to illuminate temples with attractive lights.