Siliguri, Sept. 24 -- The proposed Mahakal Temple project at Matigara in Siliguri, for which former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had laid the foundation stone, has been scrapped by the current BJP-led state government. The temple project is now set to be replaced by a Mahakal Yoga Centre. Construction of the new project is expected to begin after Durga Puja. Despite the cancellation of the temple project, a massive statue of Lord Shiva will be installed at the site.
Anandamay Barman, Minister of State for Finance and Transport said: "A Mahakal Yoga Centre will be built at the site of the proposed Mahakal Temple. People will have the opportunity to receive yoga training in an open-air environment. We are considering starting work after Durga Puja."
The project is planned on approximately 18 acres of land belonging to the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA), located opposite the Uttorayon Township in Matigara.
The previous government had proposed constructing a temple along with a convention centre at the site. On January 16, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had formally laid the foundation stone for the temple construction project. A trust had also been formed for the development of the temple, with the objective of promoting religious tourism in the area and placing Siliguri on the religious tourism map. According to sources, the responsibility for developing the yoga centre has been assigned to the Ministry of AYUSH. The project is expected to be implemented in collaboration with a private organisation. Yoga training will reportedly be conducted in front of a large statue of Lord Shiva, while trees will be planted across the premises to create a pleasant and green environment.
Discussions are also underway to introduce Ayurvedic treatment facilities at the centre. Sources said that the headquarters of the ministry could potentially be established near the yoga centre, which may also accommodate Ayurvedic healthcare services. The state government expects the proposed facilities to contribute to the development of Ayurvedic treatment in the region and provide more people with access to such healthcare services.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.