HARIDWAR, Aug. 23 -- An ancient temple dedicated to Sita Mata in Phalswari village of Pauri Garhwal is set for redevelopment as part of the planned Sita Mata Circuit, with the district administration sanctioning Rs.78 lakh for the first phase of the project. According to district administration officials on Friday, the Sita Mata temple in Phalswari, along with the Lakshman temple in Deval, Maharishi Valmiki temple in Kotsada and Vidyakuti temple in Sitonsyun Patti, will be developed as part of an integrated circuit aimed at promoting religious and heritage tourism and establishing the area as an all-year pilgrimage destination. "An amount of Rs.78 lakh has been sanctioned in the first phase for the redevelopment, expansion and corridor development of the Sita Mata Circuit. Three-dimensional and walk-through designs are being prepared by architects, while land-related requirements are being addressed on priority," said Pauri DM Swati S Bhadauriya. The first phase will include maintenance and renovation of the existing temples, installation of signages and solar lighting, wall murals and sculptures, water ATMs, pilgrim seating areas and other related works. Officials said the interventions would be undertaken in keeping with the ancient architectural character of the temples and the local heritage. The second phase is expected to include improved road connectivity, parking facilities, basic amenities and arrangements for additional land required for the development of the circuit. Bhadauriya said local stakeholders were enthusiastic about the project and were cooperating with the administration by offering suggestions and assisting with land-related requirements. The Sita Mata temple is located in the Sitosyun area of Phalswari village in Kot block. Several mythological accounts and local historical texts associate the temple with the belief that Sita, the wife of Lord Ram, took bhu samadhi at the site. A 3-day fair dedicated to Sita Mata is organised by local residents every May, drawing devotees from the surrounding areas. "Our village and the surrounding area worship Sita Mata as a deity. The temple is ancient, and its redevelopment will lead to the development of other nearby temples, giving a boost to religious tourism in the area," said village head Meenakshi Bhatt....