Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Saturday dedicated a Rs 12.42 crore lift drinking water scheme to the Mata Shri Chintpurni Temple area in Una district. The project aims to ensure a reliable and safe water supply to 19 villages spread across five panchayats, including the temple surroundings.
According to Agnihotri, the scheme will benefit more than 10,000 local residents, over 4,000 students, and thousands of pilgrims who visit the shrine every year. Water is being sourced from Kalruhi Khad and transported through a 17-kilometre-long pipeline network, supported by three storage reservoirs and advanced pumping systems to maintain continuous supply.
Appreciating the timely completion of the project, the Deputy Chief Minister said it would significantly enhance infrastructure in the prominent religious tourism destination while also meeting future water requirements. He noted that Una district, once affected by severe water shortages, has witnessed substantial improvement, with more than 600 tubewells installed and additional supply being augmented from Bhabour Sahib and Pong Dam.
Agnihotri further instructed officials to immediately begin work on the Rs 4 crore ‘Mata Ka Bagh’ drinking water scheme, setting a deadline of six months for its completion. The upcoming project will connect Kalruhi to Mata Ka Bagh and extend the network from Bharwain to the temple area, along with the establishment of drinking water kiosks at key pilgrim points.
Emphasizing overall development of the shrine area, he stated that Rs 130 crore has been allocated for expansion, beautification, and modern facilities at the temple complex — including Rs 56 crore under the Centre’s PRASAD scheme and Rs 75 crore from the state government. He also called for swift progress on the Rs 100 crore ropeway project, which is expected to enhance pilgrim convenience and strengthen the local economy.
Additionally, he mentioned that the introduction of e-rickshaw services has generated nearly Rs 12.5 crore in revenue for the temple area. Directions were also issued for the widening and beautification of Bharwain Chowk, while the state is exploring the possibility of introducing water transport services connecting Bilaspur to the Naina Devi Temple to further boost religious tourism infrastructure.
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