Friday, November 17, 2006

Sprucing up of Dewa Sharif begins

By Archana Srivastava - Times of India - India
Saturday, August 5, 2006

LUCKNOW: The revered shrine of Dewa Sharif in Bara Banki district is in the process of getting a facelift following efforts of the UP tourism directorate.

Work in this direction has begun with the approach road and the quadrangle of the shrine being relaid with inter-lock bricks and Kota stones. Additional work involving an expenditure of Rs 1 crore is likely to begin soon.

While sanction for the same has been given, release of funds from the government is awaited. Minister for tourism Kawkab Hamid told TOI, "Renovation work of the shrine and adjacent areas is underway."

The Dewa Sharif shrine houses the dargah of Haji Waris Ali Shah, a highly revered Sufi saint. Pilgrims from all over the country and also from Pakistan and West Asia converge here particularly on the occasion of the annual Urs held in the month of November. The occasion is also famous for its fair.

This 20-day affair is one of the most famous 'mela' of northern India where cattle from all over the state and outside are traded.

Keeping in view the importance of the shrine and the inflow of both Muslim and Hindu tourists, the directorate has drawn up a Rs 1 crore project to overhaul the basic infrastructure and amenities.

Regional tourist officer (RTO) Faizabad and Devipatan division Priti Srivastava said "work on the approach road is already in progress. The entire stretch is being relaid with inter-lock bricks".

In addition to this the 'kucha' area within the shrine is also being laid with Kota stones. The two tasks are being done at a cost of Rs 25 lakhs, she said.

But the directorate is pouring in more money. It has already drawn up a Rs 1 crore project entailing electrification, up gradation of toilet facilities and the beautification of the surroundings.

The electrification plan involves strategic placement of high mast lights in addition to sodium lights on both sides of the road leading to the shrine. The shrine itself will be illuminated with focus lights.

Keeping in view the poor condition of the toilets and the tourist shelters it has been decided to upgrade the same. Says Preeti, " Most of the shelters are in dilapidated condition while the toilets are over 30 years old".

Open sheds will be constructed to enable the pilgrims to deposit their luggage and if need be also use it as a day or night halt. Expenditure on shelters would be to the tune.

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Friday, November 17, 2006

Sprucing up of Dewa Sharif begins
By Archana Srivastava - Times of India - India
Saturday, August 5, 2006

LUCKNOW: The revered shrine of Dewa Sharif in Bara Banki district is in the process of getting a facelift following efforts of the UP tourism directorate.

Work in this direction has begun with the approach road and the quadrangle of the shrine being relaid with inter-lock bricks and Kota stones. Additional work involving an expenditure of Rs 1 crore is likely to begin soon.

While sanction for the same has been given, release of funds from the government is awaited. Minister for tourism Kawkab Hamid told TOI, "Renovation work of the shrine and adjacent areas is underway."

The Dewa Sharif shrine houses the dargah of Haji Waris Ali Shah, a highly revered Sufi saint. Pilgrims from all over the country and also from Pakistan and West Asia converge here particularly on the occasion of the annual Urs held in the month of November. The occasion is also famous for its fair.

This 20-day affair is one of the most famous 'mela' of northern India where cattle from all over the state and outside are traded.

Keeping in view the importance of the shrine and the inflow of both Muslim and Hindu tourists, the directorate has drawn up a Rs 1 crore project to overhaul the basic infrastructure and amenities.

Regional tourist officer (RTO) Faizabad and Devipatan division Priti Srivastava said "work on the approach road is already in progress. The entire stretch is being relaid with inter-lock bricks".

In addition to this the 'kucha' area within the shrine is also being laid with Kota stones. The two tasks are being done at a cost of Rs 25 lakhs, she said.

But the directorate is pouring in more money. It has already drawn up a Rs 1 crore project entailing electrification, up gradation of toilet facilities and the beautification of the surroundings.

The electrification plan involves strategic placement of high mast lights in addition to sodium lights on both sides of the road leading to the shrine. The shrine itself will be illuminated with focus lights.

Keeping in view the poor condition of the toilets and the tourist shelters it has been decided to upgrade the same. Says Preeti, " Most of the shelters are in dilapidated condition while the toilets are over 30 years old".

Open sheds will be constructed to enable the pilgrims to deposit their luggage and if need be also use it as a day or night halt. Expenditure on shelters would be to the tune.

No comments: