Former CM Biplab Deb seeks Rs 30 crore for renovation of three South Tripura temples, including Raj Rajeshwari, Daitweswari, and Belonia Kalibari, aiming to boost cultural heritage, tourism, and local economic growth across the region.
Former Chief Minister and current Lok Sabha MP from West Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, announced on Monday that detailed proposals for the renovation and redevelopment of three prominent temples in South Tripura have been submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The total estimated cost of these ambitious projects is approximately Rs 30 crore, signaling a significant investment in both cultural heritage and regional economic development.
Deb made the announcement during the inaugural function of the Diwali festival at the Raj Rajeshwari Temple located in Muhuripur. Highlighting the importance of preserving the state’s spiritual landmarks, he said, “The way Tripura Sundari Temple has been redeveloped with modern high-tech infrastructure, similar development initiatives shall be undertaken for Raj Rajeshwari Temple.” Deb further revealed that he had personally submitted a project worth Rs 10 crore for this temple to the Union Ministry, with parallel proposals prepared for the Daitweswari Temple in Sabroom and Belonia Kalibari.
Economic and Cultural Significance
Emphasizing the broader impact of temple redevelopment, Deb noted that these projects are not merely religious in nature but also hold substantial economic potential. “A temple is not only a place of devotion and worship. It has an economic side as well. When devotees visit from different parts of the state, they spend time and money there, gradually creating a centre of business and trade,” he said. Local traders, artisans, and service providers around these temples are likely to benefit from increased footfall, which could contribute to regional employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Deb’s focus on infrastructure development for religious sites follows a trend observed in several Indian states, where temples and pilgrimage centers are being modernized to attract tourism while maintaining their cultural and spiritual essence. The Rs 30 crore fund allocation across three temples is seen as a landmark initiative for South Tripura, combining heritage preservation with economic upliftment.
Political Undertones
During his speech, Deb also took a strong political stance, criticizing the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for their approach towards religion and community development in the state. “Communists mislead people for their own political gains. They never encouraged people to adopt religious practices. Instead, they treated their party offices as the most important social institutions,” he said. Deb added that under the previous communist regime, Tripura witnessed ethnic tensions, political violence, and murders, which adversely affected societal harmony and traditional belief systems.
Deb’s comments come amid a larger discussion in the state about the role of cultural heritage in fostering regional identity and economic growth. By modernizing key temples, he aims to create hubs of spiritual, cultural, and commercial activity, potentially drawing tourists from across India and abroad.
Future Prospects
If approved by the Union Ministry, these temple redevelopment projects are expected to begin early next year, bringing in modern facilities such as enhanced lighting, improved access routes, security arrangements, and digital infrastructure for devotees. These improvements will not only enhance the spiritual experience but also ensure the temples are equipped to manage growing visitor numbers efficiently.
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With South Tripura now on the path to becoming a cultural tourism hub, the local community stands to gain significantly from increased commerce, hospitality services, and artisanal trades. Religious tourism, as Deb emphasized, can be a catalyst for both spiritual enrichment and economic growth, creating a win-win scenario for the state.
