Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav performed the bhoomipujan for the first phase of Maa Baglamukhi Devi Lok at the famous temple in Nalkheda, Agar-Malwa district, on Monday. Costing Rs 85.40 crore, the project aims to develop the shrine into a major centre of faith, spirituality and religious tourism, with improved facilities for devotees from India and abroad. Temple complex to get major upgrade: Dr Yadav said the project would include development of the temple corridor and courtyard, a 108-foot central spire and construction across 2,800 square metres.

 

The first phase will also feature 220 yagya shalas, a gaushala spread over 625 square metres, four main entrance gates, a boundary wall, parking facilities, toilets and landscaped green spaces. Electrical systems, façade lighting, plumbing and fire-safety infrastructure will also be developed. Four-lane Bypass planned at Rs 55 crore: The Chief Minister announced that an approximately 14-km four-lane bypass from Amla to Nalkheda was being developed at a cost of more than Rs 55 crore. A high-level bridge over the Lakhunder River will also be constructed at a cost of Rs 13.77 crore. Roads and culverts along routes leading to Nalkheda will be widened wherever required to ease traffic movement. Riverfront and accommodation facilities planned:

 

Dr Yadav said the Government would develop grand ghats along the Lakhunder River, expand the temple complex and parking areas, and improve accommodation facilities at dharamshalas. Better roads, clean toilets and other visitor amenities would be provided to make the pilgrimage more convenient. He said the project would follow the development model adopted for Mahakal Lok in Ujjain. More religious sites to be developed: The Chief Minister said the State Government had resolved to develop more than 14 religious destinations across Madhya Pradesh as Divya Lok projects. These include Orchha, Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, Ekatma Dham in Omkareshwar and Chitrakoot Dham.

 

He said these initiatives would strengthen religious tourism and improve infrastructure around important pilgrimage centres. Chief Minister links good rainfall to soybean crop: Dr Yadav said favourable rainfall had helped produce a good soybean crop this year, adding that farmers would receive approximately Rs 7,000 per quintal for their produce. Rajgarh MP Rodmal Nagar, MLA Bhairav Singh Bapu, former MLA Rana Vikram Singh, district in-charge Minister Nagar Singh Chauhan, other public representatives, senior officials and devotees attended the programme.