Hooghly, 14 July (H.S.): Hindu religious leader Kartik Maharaj on Tuesday said Tarakeswar would be developed on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 15 crore, as part of efforts to revive Sanatan heritage and promote religious tourism in West Bengal.

Speaking during his visit to Tarakeswar, Kartik Maharaj said the state government was taking commendable steps to restore Hindu heritage and thanked it for supporting such initiatives.

He said the proposed redevelopment of Tarakeswar would require not only government funding but also active cooperation from local residents to ensure the project's success.

Kartik Maharaj further said that, besides Tarakeswar, several important religious sites in Malda had also been identified for the preservation and revival of Sanatan traditions.

He also noted that, for the first time, the West Bengal government was extending support for Rath Yatra celebrations in the state.

According to him, a committee has been constituted to oversee the restoration and conservation of ancient and heritage temples across West Bengal. He added that the government was also considering renaming roads whose names were not in harmony with Indian culture and heritage.

Referring to the recent flower shower organised in Tarakeswar, Kartik Maharaj said the initiative had been undertaken following the Chief Minister's wish and welcomed the move.

He stressed the need to preserve Sanatan traditions, strengthen religious tourism and further develop Tarakeswar as a major pilgrimage destination.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey