Dehradun, Oct 14: Union Tourism Minister Jagmohan today announced a Rs 10-crore plan to develop Badrinath Dham area in Uttaranchal's Chamoli district which attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. The plan is part of the Rs 212-crore overall development scheme announced by the Centre to develop the Chardham area that includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri shrines.

The plan for Badrinath includes a waterfall, two bridges, cleaning and beautification of 'tapt kund', Jagmohan told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly formed Chardha Tourism Board here.

The minister also called for developing area around the shrine perched in Garhwal Himalayas.
Pilgrims from all over the world visit Badrinath, Jagmohan said, adding the sanctity of the shrine would be maintained while developing the area.

Steps would be taken to ensure that the river and the kund where people take bath were not polluted, he added.

Bureau Report