Kashi Model Of Development To Be Emulated In Karnataka Temples At A Budget Of Over Rs 1,100 Crore

Karnataka government has decided to take up development works in 25 temples in the state on the lines of the work undertaken at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

As per reports, Minister for Muzarai, Haj and Waqf Shashikala Jolle said, the development will be undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 1,140 crore and a master plan had been prepared for the provision of basic infrastructural development in 25 Muzarai temples in the first phase.

The project called ‘Daiva Sankalpa’ will undertake construction of ‘heritage-style’ structures around the temple premises. The project will be funded by the income generated by temples and will also focus on building lodging facilities for devotees, underground drainage, solid waste management plants, multi-level parking, RO plants and other amenities.

The government also plans to develop ten ‘C’ category temples in every district with the help of donors for which the department has instructed all deputy commissioners to compile a list of temples that fall under their jurisdiction.

A total of 1,000 such ‘C category’ temples will be developed by the government each year, of which there are a total of 34,217 in the state.

In order to facilitate pilgrimages for the state’s citizens to other holy cities in the country, Jolle said, the government is contemplating setting up facilities for devotees at Kashi as well as a Karnataka hall in Ayodhya, and a new financial scheme for pilgrims to undertake visits to 12 Jyotirlingas on the lines of those provided to those who complete the Kailash or Chardham yatra.

According to Jolle, the department was provided Rs 287 crore for the year 2021-22 of which Rs 168 crore has been allocated for the development of temples.