A New Chapter to Be Added to North Bengal’s Tourism Map

Siliguri, 16 January (H.S.) :

A new chapter is set to be added to the tourism landscape of North Bengal as the foundation stone of the proposed Mahakal Temple will be laid today, Friday, at Matigara in Siliguri. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lay the foundation stone of the temple, marking the formal beginning of the project. Extensive security arrangements have been put in place, and final preparations are underway across the area.

According to administrative sources, elaborate security measures have been deployed at the venue, along with a special traffic management plan to ensure smooth movement. On Thursday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Kazi Shamsuddin Ahmed personally inspected the arrangements at the site. Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb also visited Matigara on Thursday evening to review the preparations.

The Chief Minister had announced the construction of the Mahakal Temple during her earlier visit to North Bengal. For the project, the state government has identified around 18 acres of land in the Matigara area. With the foundation stone laying ceremony, the construction work is set to formally commence. The proposed temple complex is being designed to accommodate nearly one lakh devotees at a time.

The responsibility for organizing the foundation stone laying ceremony has been entrusted to HIDCO. In addition, all concerned district-level departments and the Public Works Department are actively involved in the preparations. Public representatives from almost all districts of North Bengal are expected to attend the event. Representatives from various chambers of commerce and several distinguished personalities have also been invited.

Multiple large LED screens are being installed at the venue to enable people arriving from distant areas to view the ceremony. The event has generated considerable enthusiasm among local residents.

Speaking on the occasion, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb said that all arrangements, including the stage and other facilities, have been completed in view of the Chief Minister’s visit. He added that the construction of the Mahakal Temple will give a significant boost to religious tourism in North Bengal, contributing to regional development and creating new employment opportunities for the local population.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh