Himachal Pradesh to Build 12 Jyotirlingas at Shiv Dham in Mandi District

The Himachal Pradesh government has allocated over Rs 11 crore for the construction of 12 jyotirlingas at Shiv Dham in Mandi district. The project aims to enhance religious tourism and attract pilgrims from across the country.

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) announced on Wednesday that it will construct 12 jyotirlingas (special shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva) at Shiv Dham in Mandi district. An additional allocation of over Rs 11 crore has been made for this project.

Progress of the Project

Raghubir Singh Bali, Chairman of HPTDC and a Congress MLA, stated that four jyotirlingas have already been completed, while work is ongoing for the remaining eight. The previous government had sanctioned approximately Rs 38 crore for the project and spent Rs 16 crore, leaving a balance of Rs 22 crore.

Additional Funding and Tender Process

The current state government has released an additional amount of over Rs 11 crore, bringing the total allocation to over Rs 33 crore. Bali informed that tenders for the project will be floated soon.

Irregularities and Investigation

Bali revealed that irregularities were found in the work of the previous contractor, leading the state government to hand over the tender of Shiv Dham to a new agency. An investigation is ongoing against the previous contractor, and further information will be provided upon its completion.

Renovation of HPTDC Hotels

In addition to the Shiv Dham project, HPTDC plans to renovate its hotels. Hotel Peter Hoff in Shimla will undergo renovation in the first phase at a cost of Rs 11 crore, and a tender will be floated soon. Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla will also be renovated with an investment of Rs 5.5 crore.