Kushinagar: DM inspects Kulkula Devi temple, announces beautification and river restoration plan

The Kushinagar administration has unveiled an ambitious plan for the development of Maa Kulkula Devi Temple and the Hiranyavati River area, including beautification, plantation and tourism facilities.

Kushinagar: Kushinagar District Magistrate Mahendra Singh Tawar on Friday inspected the Maa Kulkula Devi Temple and the adjoining Hiranyavati River area in Dilipnagar village of Kasaya block and announced plans for the integrated development of the religious and tourism site.

During the inspection, the District Magistrate reviewed the condition of the temple premises, riverbanks and nearby areas. He directed officials to ensure proper cleanliness, improved facilities for devotees and beautification of the entire premises.

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Organised infrastructure at religious places a must

He said maintaining cleanliness and organised infrastructure at religious and tourist destinations is essential to provide better facilities for pilgrims and visitors.

Tawar also reviewed the ongoing cleanliness work being carried out under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the District Panchayati Raj Department. Officials were instructed to divide the Hiranyavati River into 500-metre stretches to ensure systematic and quality cleaning work. Directions were also issued for proper scientific disposal of plastic waste generated by tourists.

Drone surveys to be conducted

The District Magistrate said drone surveys would be conducted wherever required and machines would be used to remove silt and bushes accumulated in the river. He also instructed officials to construct filtration chambers at various locations to prevent untreated wastewater from villages from entering the river.

Seeking details related to land records and the area surrounding the temple complex, Tawar directed the concerned departments to prepare a detailed development plan. The tehsil administration has been asked to provide maps and land details to facilitate tourism development and beautification works.

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Detailed project report being prepared

He said a detailed project report is being prepared and will soon be sent to the state government for the development of Maa Kulkula Devi Temple as a tourism destination. Plans include expansion of public facilities, separate toilets for men and women, and arrangements for clean drinking water.

As part of a proposed plantation drive, nearly two lakh saplings, including 10,000 fruit-bearing plants, will be planted around the temple and river area. The initiative is aimed at strengthening environmental balance and providing food sources for birds and monkeys.

DM Tawar also appealed to local residents to participate in the cleanliness campaign through voluntary labour and assured that medical teams from nearby health centres would remain available to ensure the safety of workers involved in the drive.