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News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Temples, Tourism, Tribute: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Village Bateshwar Set For Grand Makeover
UP government has approved a Rs 27 crore project aimed at revitalising this culturally rich but lesser-known destination in the Agra district. Bateshwar, a tranquil village located along the Yamuna River in Agra and known as the ancestral home of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is about to undergo a significant transformation. In an effort to promote spiritual tourism and honour Vajpayee's legacy, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved a Rs 27 crore project aimed at revitalising this culturally rich but lesser-known destination in the Agra district. Officials noted that Bateshwar, often overshadowed by the global allure of the Taj Mahal, is home to a rare chain of 101 ancient Shiva temples that line the Yamuna River. Constructed in the traditional Nagara architectural style during the Pratihara dynasty, these temples are both sacred and architecturally significant. The government's objective is to establish Bateshwar as a notable destination on India's religious tourism map. Tourism department officials revealed that the Rs 27 crore package will be allocated to various components to improve spiritual infrastructure, ease access for pilgrims, and enhance civic amenities. Of the total allocation, Rs 19 crore will be dedicated to renovating the ghats, stretching from the revered Gopaleshwar Mahadev Temple to the cultural complex on the riverfront. The upgrades will include beautification, strengthening of embankments, safe access steps, aesthetic lighting, and viewing decks. 'The ghats are the heart of religious activity here, especially during the annual Bateshwar Fair. This facelift will make pilgrimages safer and more enriching," said Ashutosh Kumar, Assistant Director, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. To give Bateshwar a distinguished entry, two imposing gateways will be constructed—one on the Firozabad Road and the other along the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. Designed to reflect the local cultural ethos and traditional temple motifs, these entrances will cost Rs 5 crore in total. Additionally, Rs 1 crore has been earmarked for installing modern eco-tourism signage in the Rapri region, which borders the National Chambal Sanctuary. 'These signages will not only aid navigation but also introduce visitors to the region's diverse heritage – spiritual, natural, and historical," Kumar added. Basic infrastructure improvements worth Rs 2 crore will cover internal roads, street lighting, sanitation, and parking areas. 'Our aim is to make Bateshwar clean, accessible, and welcoming for all," he said. A Big Move for Locals For the residents of Bateshwar, the announcement has brought a wave of excitement and hope. 'This is the biggest thing to happen to our village in years," said Rajendra Vajpayee, a distant relative of the former PM who still resides in the original Vajpayee family home. 'Atalji never forgot Bateshwar, and now the state is remembering him through this project. It feels like justice to his memory," he added. Shopkeeper Shivam Tiwari, whose small stall sells puja items near the ghats, believes the changes will attract more visitors and improve livelihoods. 'During the annual fair, lakhs come, but for the rest of the year, it's quiet. With new roads, lighting, and signs, even off-season tourism will improve," he said. Schoolteacher Manorama Mishra, who also runs a local heritage club for students, hopes the plan will also preserve the ecological sanctity of the area. 'The Yamuna here is still relatively clean. It's not like what you see in cities. If development is done sensitively, it can become a model of eco-spiritual tourism," she said. What Does the Tourism Minister Say? Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that the project is part of a broader initiative to decentralise tourism in Uttar Pradesh and bring attention to lesser-known spiritual and cultural sites. 'Agra is synonymous with the Taj Mahal globally, but there is so much more in this region. Bateshwar, with its temple heritage and its connection to one of India's tallest leaders, deserves prominence," said Singh. He mentioned that new tourism circuits are being developed, which include Kannauj, Braj, and now Bateshwar, aimed at empowering local communities and preserving cultural traditions. Officials noted that the new travel circuit aims to attract not only domestic pilgrims but also international tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond mainstream destinations. The UP Tourism department indicated that work on the project is expected to begin later this year, once detailed tenders and conservation plans are finalised. The district administration has already initiated preliminary surveys, and coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is underway for work near protected monuments. As Bateshwar prepares to welcome a new wave of pilgrims and tourists, residents are hopeful that the transformation will not only boost their economy but also reaffirm the cultural and spiritual identity of a village closely tied to one of India's most beloved leaders. 'Bateshwar has waited long for its due. Maybe now, under the light of these 101 temples and Atalji's legacy, our time has come," said 78-year-old Ram Dayal Dubey, a retired school principal and lifelong devotee at the ghats. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. 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Scroll.in
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Abhishek Choudhary
Stories written by From the biography: How Atal Bihari Vajpayee tried to balance Pakistan, USA, Europe and China An excerpt from 'Believer's Dilemma: Vajpayee and the Hindu Right's Path to Power, 1977-2018', by Abhishek Choudhary. Abhishek Choudhary · 12 minutes ago In his early days in the RSS, Atal Bihari Vajpayee wanted minors to be banned from watching films An excerpt from 'Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right, 1924-1977', by Abhishek Choudhary. Abhishek Choudhary · May 10, 2023 · 08:30 am
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Meals at 5 per plate: Atal canteens in Delhi by Dec
New Delhi: Delhi govt is gearing up to launch 100 Atal Canteens across the city, which will offer meals at about Rs 5 per plate. The initiative aims to provide affordable and nutritious food at 100 locations, mostly near major construction sites and slum clusters, targeting daily wage workers and the urban poor. Senior officials said that govt is planning to complete some projects by the birth date of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Dec, in whose memory the canteens are named. In her 2025–26 Budget, chief minister Rekha Gupta, who also handles the finance portfolio, allocated Rs 100 crore to set up the canteens across the national capital. Minister Kapil Mishra said, "By the end of the year, we will be in a position to launch some canteens. We have started identifying places, and soon a report will be prepared and given to me on the areas where it can operate." You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The plan, he added, is to start with 100 such canteens, with at least one in each assembly constituency. "This is a significant step toward ensuring food security for Delhi's most vulnerable populations," Mishra said, adding, "We are committed to fulfilling our manifesto promises, and under CM Rekha Gupta, we have been starting one scheme after another, and we have started the process for this too. This is one of our promises." A similar model was rolled out in Haryana in BJP's tenure four years ago, where the Atal Kisan Mazdoor Canteens were opened in agricultural mandis. These provide a simple meal of chapatis, rice, dal and vegetables for just Rs 10. While Delhi's version will operate at half the price, the exact rate is yet to be finalised. The official rollout plan is expected to be announced around the birthday of PM Modi in Sept. Earlier, during 2017-2022, the MCDs launched a similar project, Atal Aahar Yojna, but could not continue it for long. The scheme was among BJP's most touted programmes in its manifesto before the 2017 MCD polls. Under the scheme, the plan envisaged by the civic body was to offer breakfast and lunch at a subsidised rate of Rs 10 and Rs 15, respectively, at nearly 40 places in Delhi. Officials said that this time, Delhi govt is working on different models to ensure that the scheme does not face hiccups. "We are exploring if we can allow vendors to cut losses they would face on account of providing subsidised food by selling confectionery or other items," an official said. Govt would also have to support the scheme, he added. Former MP Gautam Gambhir too launched a similar initiative during his tenure, where he offered food for Rs 1 at some places in his constituency. However, that scheme, too, became non-functional after he left active politics.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt prepares to make MISA documents public
New Delhi: You may soon be able to access several confidential documents related to the controversial Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), which was extensively used against opposition leaders and activists during the Emergency. Part of Delhi's govt's archival treasure trove, the documents are likely to be made public by the state's archives department. Sources said a proposal, along with all available MISA-related files, was sent to Delhi govt's home department for final approval. Once the process is complete, the documents will be digitised and made accessible to people. MISA was enacted by the then Congress govt, led by Indira Gandhi in 1971, to address issues of national security and internal disturbances. The provisions of the law allowing preventive detention without charge or trial were widely used against political leaders, activists, journalists, and students during the Emergency from June 26, 1975, to March 21, 1977. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Officials said the documents related to MISA were retrieved during the digitisation process of over four crore archival records — some as old as the 19th century — by the archives department. They added that these documents included the details and reports of activists and people who were arrested during the Emergency. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Apply for NRI Account Online HSBC Undo Many of the documents, along with photographs and performances that highlighted the suspension of civil liberties and democratic rights during the 21-month period, were displayed in an exhibition, titled 'Five Decades After Emergency', organised by Delhi govt to mark "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas", in Central Park of Connaught Place on June 26. Several previously unpublished documents, including detention orders for prominent political figures such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Jan Sangh president Balraj Madhok, Jai Prakash Narain, and Lal Krishna Advani, were put on display. A senior Delhi govt official said that the idea behind making the documents public was to preserve and share this important chapter of India's political history. The official added that there were a large number of people interested in historical records related to the Emergency. According to the Shah Commission of inquiry, more than 35,000 people were held under preventive detention during this time. Officials said the Delhi archives are the custodian of all public records of the Govt of NCT of Delhi, available for use by bona fide research scholars and the general public. Access to its records is governed by the provisions of the Public Records Act, 1993, and the Public Records Rules, 1997, enacted by Union govt and adopted by Delhi govt. Anyone who intends to consult the records of the Delhi Archives has to register at the e-Abhilekh Portal of this department. A large number of revenue records or land and properties in Delhi, along with Bahadur Shah Zafar's trial, firmans and sanads of Shah Alam II, the revolt of 1857, land acquisition records, rare photographs of freedom fighters, and development plans and maps of the British era have been digitised, preserved, and made available to the general public through the portal.
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
July 9, 1985, Forty Years Ago: Emergency Threat
Several opposition leaders have interpreted the PM's press conference remarks about the Emergency as a threat that it might be reimposed. Leaders of the Janata Party, the BJP and the Lok Dal expressed shock at the PM's remarks and declared that they would mobilise the people against such dictatorial trends. The BJP president, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said he was shocked to read the PM's statement that the Emergency was justified. Akalis Ignore Centre The Akali Dal (L) has ignored the Centre's overtures for talks and has said the government must 'rectify its mistakes' leading to excesses against Sikhs, if it wanted to solve the Punjab problem. The 'mistakes' would be rectified if the government accepted the party's demands to normalise the situation, Harchand Singh Longowal, party president, G S Tohra, president of the SGPC, and Parkash Singh Badal, former CM, said. Sri Lanka Talks Start The first-ever negotiations between the Sri Lankan government and the militant Tamil groups, along with the TULF, started at the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu. The talks were of a preliminary nature and held in a 'relaxed and friendly atmosphere'. They were characterised by 'mutual understanding and accommodation', a press release said. Industrial Safety Proprietors of industries termed hazardous will now face 'compulsory imprisonment' as penalty for violation of safety regulations. A decision to this effect has been taken by the Centre following recommendation of the Labour Secretaries and Labour Ministers Conference held in New Delhi recently. It has now been communicated to state governments and Union Territories.
