Mansa Devi shrine to get a face lift

Chandigarh, Jan 22 (UNI) The Mansa Devi shrine in Panchkula district will be developed on the pattern of the Golden Temple and Akshardham Temple.

A 'sarovar' would also be developed in the vicinity of the shrine.

This announcement was made by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda while presiding over a meeting of the Shri Mansa Devi Shrine Board here today.

Mr Hooda, who is the chairman of the Board said Mansa Devi Complex would be developed and it would be a centre of attraction for the pilgrims. He emphasised that the preservation of historical identity of the shrine would be maintained while intiating the developmental works.

The Board at its meeting approved the budget of the Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board amounting to Rs nine crore for the year 2007-08.

The Chief Minister directed the Board Authorities to hold the Board meeting twice a year so that the review of the ongoing projects could be undertaken well in time.

The Chief Minister asked the PWD(B&R) authorities weather the 42 quarters being constructed for the employees of the Board be complete by April. Similarly, he directed that the 63-room 'Dharamshala' under construction be completed by March 31.

Finance Minister Birender Singh while addressing the meeting laid stress on setting up a conventional solar energy system in the shrine complex, he also suggested that an Art Institute be set up in the premises.

The Board meeting also decided that coins would be made from the gold offerings made at the shrine and these coins could then he sold to pilgrims.

Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies P K Gupta apprised the Chief Minister about the activities going on in the shrine premises. He said that the temple had 10.32 kg gold and 445 kg silver in its coffers.

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