Ranaghat, Nov. 6 -- West Bengal will spend Rs 1,000 crore over the next two years to renovate and restore ancient temples and monasteries across the state under a proposed 'Tirthakshetra Circuit', Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Friday, signalling a major push towards religious heritage conservation and pilgrimage tourism.
Making the announcement at the inauguration of Shatadal Club's Kali Puja at Aranghata in Nadia's Ranaghat Uttar Purba Assembly constituency, Adhikari said the project would cover ancient temples and monasteries situated on debottar properties, as well as those managed by trusts and public organisations. Privately owned properties, however, would remain outside its ambit.
The Chief Minister said the Rs 1,000...