Shri Chintpurni/Una, February 28:- Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Saturday inaugurated the ?12.42 crore Lift Drinking Water Scheme constructed for the Mata Shri Chintpurni Temple area. This scheme will ensure regular and clean drinking water supply to 19 villages in five Panchayats, including the temple area. Local MLA Sudarshan Bablu was also present on the occasion.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that this scheme will benefit more than 10,000 local citizens, over 4,000 students, and thousands of pilgrims who visit annually. Water has been delivered by laying a 17-kilometer pipeline from Kalruhi Khad, and three storage tanks and modern pumping machinery have been installed.
He stated that the area had been waiting for this scheme for a long time. Congratulating the departmental officials for completing the project on time, he said that this will further strengthen the drinking water system at the religious tourist destination of Chintpurni and ensure a long-term solution to meet future growing demand.

**Water projects underway in the state*
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that there is no shortage of funds for drinking water projects in the state, and work on various projects is being carried out on a war footing.
He said that while Una district once faced a serious water crisis, today, drinking water is being delivered to every area through various schemes. More than 600 tube wells have been installed across the district, and efforts are also underway to supply water from Bhabhaur Sahib and Pong Dam. Currently, works worth approximately ?150 crore are underway in the Shri Chintpurni Assembly constituency.

**Goal to complete the 'Mata Ka Bagh' scheme within six months*
The Deputy Chief Minister directed that work on the ?4 crore 'Mata Ka Bagh' drinking water scheme be initiated on a war footing and set a target of completing it within six months. Under the scheme, the temple area will be connected to Kalruhi via Mata Ka Bagh and from there via Bharwai. Drinking water facilities will also be constructed for devotees at key sites, including Mubarakpur.

**?130 crore available in the first phase for temple development*
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that approximately ?130 crore has been made available in the first phase for the development, expansion, and beautification of the Mata Shri Chintpurni Temple. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to begin the work immediately and ensure daily monitoring.
He stated that while other major temples in the country can be developed, delays in the work on Mata Chintpurni are unacceptable. He stated that the state government had to approach the court to obtain the ?56 crore received under the central government's Prasad Yojana, while the state government has provided an additional ?75 crore to enhance the grandeur of the temple complex.

**Speed ??up the ?100 crore ropeway project*
The Deputy Chief Minister directed the speedy completion of the ?100 crore ropeway project approved for the Mata Shri Chintpurni Temple. He stated that this project will enhance the convenience of devotees and strengthen the local economy.
He stated that the e-rickshaw facility has increased the temple area's income by approximately ?12.50 crore. He directed that work be completed on a war footing to widen and beautify Bharwain Chowk and to provide all modern amenities throughout the temple area.

*Naina Devi Temple to be connected with water transport*
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that water transport possibilities are also being explored to give a new direction to religious tourism in the state. Work is underway to connect Bilaspur to the Naina Devi Temple via waterways.
Referring to the Kerala model in water transport, he said the government is committed to elevating religious tourism to new heights by equipping it with modern facilities.
He commended the active participation of MLA Sudarshan Bablu and emphasized the importance of a competitive spirit in development projects.

**MLA Sudarshan Bablu expressed gratitude**
Local MLA Sudarshan Bablu expressed gratitude to the Deputy Chief Minister for the inauguration of the Mata Shri Chintpurni Ji Lift Drinking Water Scheme, calling it a significant gift for the residents and devotees of the area.
He stated that a long-felt need for a permanent drinking water solution in the temple area and surrounding villages has now been fulfilled. He described the availability of ?130 crore for the expansion and beautification of the temple as a historic step and expressed confidence that this would provide a new impetus to tourism and local employment. He also thanked the Deputy Chief Minister for the progress of work on drinking water and irrigation schemes in the Shri Chintpurni Assembly constituency.
On this occasion, State Scheduled Caste Commission Chairman Kuldeep Dhiman, District Congress President Deshraj Gautam, senior leader Ranjeet Rana, Rajesh Parashar, Block Congress President Dr. Ravindra, Vikas Kashyap, Pramod Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal, Chief Engineer of Water Power Department Rohit Dubey and Superintending Engineer Naresh Dhiman, SDM Paras Agarwal and other dignitaries were present.