The redevelopment encompasses four key installations: a Sheshnetra Lotus Wall at the lakeside of Badrinath, a Sudarshan Chakra sculpture at the plaza upon entering the temple, an artistic feature called Sudarshan Chowk Kalakriti at the same location, and a combined tree and river sculpture at Badrinarayan Chowk situated within the temple grounds.
Located over 10,000 feet high, the Badrinath temple serves as a significant pilgrimage destination for followers of Lord Vishnu.
Also read | A Gujarat man contributes diamond-studded crowns, alongside a gold bow and arrow, to the Ram Temple Trust
Elaborating on the redevelopment initiative, Shailesh Bagauli, Secretary to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, mentioned that the state Tourism Department conceptualized the projects as part of the Badrinath master plan. “Funding for these initiatives will come either through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), or from the Centre or the state government,” he noted.
In another development, the Uttarakhand cabinet approved the reorganization of the State Human Rights Commission, which will see the addition of 12 new posts to the existing 47.
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of 15 extra posts within the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission, which currently employs 62 staff members, aiming to improve administrative efficiency.
Also read | Initial images of the Ram Darbar consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya have emerged
Additionally, the Cabinet has opted to exempt specific hybrid vehicles from motor vehicle tax under the revised Central Motor Vehicles Rules. In particular, this exemption applies only to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and strong hybrid electric vehicles according to Rule 125 ‘M’ of the Central Motor Vehicles (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2023.
Bagauli clarified the reasoning behind this policy change: “The aim of this decision is to motivate vehicle owners to acquire and utilize vehicles of this category, while also lowering pollution levels.” This exemption will be applicable only once in the current financial year 2025–26.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
