CM Nayab : Central Government grants in-principle approval for Kurukshetra Bypass
- *CM calls for collaboration to make Kurukshetra number one in cleanliness*
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said that the central government has granted in-principle approval for the construction of the Kurukshetra bypass, which will soon begin. The construction of this bypass will not only benefit the residents of Kurukshetra but also people from neighboring regions, ensuring better connectivity and improved infrastructure in this sacred land.
CM Nayab was addressing the heads of pilgrimage sites at the 48-Kos Teerth Sammelan during the ongoing International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetrat today. Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana, Tanzania Tourism Minister Smt Pindi Chana, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj were also present on this occasion.
The Chief Minister also urged the heads of all the pilgrimage sites along the 48 Kos Parikrama to come forward and help make Kurukshetra the cleanest place in the country. CM Nayab emphasized that if we work together, this religious region spanning 48 Kos can undoubtedly become a leader in cleanliness across the nation.
*Haryana to launch Pilgrimage covering the 48 Kos Land of Kurukshetra on the lines of 84 Kos Brij yatra*
CM Nayab Singh Saini said that our aim is to launch a pilgrimage route for the 48 Kos Kurukshetra land, similar to the 84 Kos Yatra of Brij. In addition, a train service will be introduced to connect Kurukshetra with Lord Shri Krishna’s city of Mathura and the holy city of Haridwar. Under the Shri Krishna Circuit Scheme, 134 sites related to the Mahabharata war will be developed as tourist destinations with an estimated investment of approximately Rs 175 crore. A Mahabharata-themed Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra is also being constructed at Geeta Sthal, Jyotisar, with an investment of Rs 205 crore. This Anubhav Kendra was recently inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Congratulating the people on this occasion, Sh Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude for the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, a Karmayogi who embodies the teachings of the Gita in his life. He said that the policies of the Prime Minister aim not just at policy-making but at transforming the lives of millions of farmers, women, and the underprivileged. CM Nayab also highlighted how, under Modi’s leadership, Kurukshetra has witnessed the successful International Gita Mahotsav, with voices of the Gita resonating across Haryana, bringing the state to the global stage.
While sharing the historical significance of Kurukshetra, he said that it was from this sacred land 5,162 years ago that Lord Shri Krishna delivered the divine message of the Gita to Arjuna. He called it a matter of immense pride for the people of Haryana and the entire nation.
CM Nayab also shared that there are 367 pilgrimage sites in the 48 Kos land of Kurukshetra, some of which have been lost over time. Recently, 18 new pilgrimages have been added to the list of 164 pilgrimages of 48 Kos Kurukshetra land after survey and documentation. This work is still going on and there is every possibility of adding more pilgrimages to this list in the near future. In the last 5 years, Rs 76 crore has been sanctioned to Kurukshetra Development Board for 93 development works, out of which Rs 57 crore has been released. Many works have been completed and work on the remaining is going on at a fast pace.
CM Nayab mentioned that several centers of faith are being established in Kurukshetra. Temples from remote areas of the country can now be found in Kurukshetra. The Sri Tirupati Balaji Temple in North India has been built here. In addition, the Jio Geeta Sansthan, Akshardham Temple, ISKCON Temple, and Gyan Mandir are also under construction.
The Chief Minister also launched 1st and 2nd edition of 48 Kos Tirtha Book, Tirtha QR Code and Kurukshetra Tour Guide.
Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj said that today, 18,000 children recited the Gita shlokas, while millions of children participated online in this event. He said that the pilgrimages in the 48 Kos area were on the brink of disappearing, but now efforts are being made to revive this ancient heritage so that future generations can learn about it. The Haryana government is already committed to this cause and is continuously taking positive steps through the Kurukshetra Development Board. While the government’s efforts will make significant progress, it is also our collective responsibility to redevelop these pilgrimage sites and attract visitors from around the world to our villages. Today, Kurukshetra is gaining recognition on the international stage, and with everyone’s efforts, all the pilgrimages across the 48 Kos will receive a renewed identity.
The Chief Minister also launched 1st and 2nd edition of 48 Kos Tirtha Book, Tirtha QR Code and Kurukshetra Tour Guide.