JDA shelves plan to restore Galta temple

JAIPUR: At a time when the state government is planning to develop religious circuits, Galtaji, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site in the town of Khania-Balaji, about 10 km away from Jaipur, has been ignored by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA).
The JDA has shelved the proposal of restoration of Galtaji temple, prepared in 2013 during the Congress government.The site consists of a series of temples built into a narrow crevice in the ring of hills that surrounds Jaipur. As the site is popular among tourists and pilgrims, a proposal of Rs 12 crore was prepared to restore and develop various facilities in the area. For the purpose, financial and administrative approval of Rs 3.63 crore was also given by JDA. However, due to the paucity of funds, JDA has now decided to carry out work amounting to Rs 1.11 crore only in the area. "JDA will take up important work in the area. The funds sanctioned earlier have been reduced as JDA is facing financial crunch," said a JDA official.
As per the plan, JDA proposed to construct 10 kitchens in the premises, where pilgrims could cook food for religious feast. A big hall with a capacity of 500 people was also proposed. Other than this, modern toilets, a separate room for women was proposed to be constructed.
The temple is also famous for its natural water springs, which draw scores of visitors. The water of these springs accumulates in tanks ( kunds). There are seven tanks, the holiest being the Galta kund, which never goes dry. JDA proposed to install water filtration system and construct wall around these tanks.
Besides, it was also proposed that JDA would widen the road from two-lane to four-lane and install streets lights between Sisodia Garden and Galtaji. Construction of sheds and installation of benches for pilgrims was also part of the plan.
"In 2013, a joint team comprising senior town planners, JDA, JMC and irrigation department officials prepared a plan to develop the Galtaji temple, situated on the verge of Khole Ke Hanumanji temple as it attracts many pilgrims," added the official.
He said that as per the recent plan, JDA will develop parking space in the temple after installing interlocking titles. It would also carry out repair work of road and footpath in the area. Also, encroachment near Galta gate will be removed to provide more space to the pilgrims.