PM Modi in Kedarnath: Seeks blessing to fulfill India's 2022 dream, lays foundation of reconstruction projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visisted the Kedarnath temple and sought blessings from Lord Shiva to fulfill the dreams of a developed India by 2022.

He also wished people of the country on new year as the day after Diwali is being observed as the first day of new year as per Hindu calender in many parts of the country.

Modi, who had visited the shrine in May this year, also laid the foundation stones of five major reconstruction projects at Kedarpuri. These include improved facilities for devotees, construction of retaining walls and ghats at the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers, an approach road to the shrine and reconstructing Adi Guru Shankaracharya's tomb which was devastated in the 2013 deluge.


He described the projects as ambitious and expensive but said there would be no dearth of funds to ensure that they are completed in a time-bound manner.

Modi, while recounting the destruction of 2013 Kedarnath floods, paid tributes to victims.

As chief minister of Gujarat, he had offered to take the responsibility of reconstructing areas surrounding the temple when the tragedy had struck in 2013, killing thousands of people, Modi said.

The then Uttarakhand chief minister had also agreed in principle. "But the then government at the Centre apparently had reservations about it and I had to return, However, perhaps Baba (Lord Shiva) had decided that the reconstruction around Kedarnath will be done by Baba's son only," he said.

The prime minister said that the reconstruction plan has been made in keeping the interest of pilgrims as well as priests.

He said that reconstruction will be based on modern engineering but will also traditinal thoughts

While building modern infrastructure in Kedarnath, the traditional soul will be preserved and we will ensure that environment laws are not flouted, Modi said.

Modi also said that the Himalayas are endowed with rich natural products like medicinal herbs which should be exploited.

Citing Sikkim, he said that the state government has taken full advantage of organic farming and exhorted Uttarakhand to do the same.

Modi also said there are plenty of opportunities in the field of tourism and the state government must use all aspects to the fullest.

(With agency inputs)