Permanent Ashrams to Be Built in Ujjain, Similar to Haridwar: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced plans to establish permanent ashrams in Ujjain, following the model of Haridwar, to support the spiritual needs of saints and religious leaders
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced plans to establish permanent ashrams in Ujjain, following the model of Haridwar, to support the spiritual needs of saints and religious leaders. Speaking at a press conference in Ujjain on October 21, 2024, Dr. Yadav highlighted that Ujjain, a city known for its association with saints and sages, will allow them to build permanent ashrams. This development comes in preparation for the 2028 Simhastha, which is held every 12 years.
The government intends to provide land for these ashrams, ensuring that saints, mahants, and religious heads have adequate space for their gatherings, spiritual events, and teachings. The plan aims to prioritize the needs of the religious community and mitigate the challenges they face while staying in private hotels during such events.
Dr. Yadav addressed the media at Ujjain's fair office auditorium, accompanied by key political and administrative figures, including MP Anil Firozia, State Rajya Sabha MP Balyogi Umeshnath Maharaj, MLAs Anil Jain Kaluheda and Satish Malviya, Mayor Mukesh Tatwal, and others.
The Chief Minister emphasized that just like the well-established ashrams in Haridwar, efforts will be made to create permanent ashrams in Ujjain through the Ujjain Development Authority. Alongside this, permanent infrastructure improvements for roads, electricity, drinking water, and drainage will be implemented to avoid the recurring problems caused by temporary constructions.
In line with the vision of developing Ujjain as a religious hub, similar to Haridwar, a comprehensive plan has been created with the support of local representatives. Infrastructure projects such as four-lane, six-lane roads, and bridges will be developed to ensure smooth traffic flow, while the construction of ashrams for saints will be carried out simultaneously. Public activities like free meal services, guest houses, medical centers, and Ayurvedic centers will also be prioritized.
Dr. Yadav stated that the government is committed to the overall development of Ujjain and the state, ensuring prosperity for all through comprehensive growth. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of areas surrounding religious sites, and ashram construction will be permitted on land parcels where only 25% can be used for building, with the remaining 75% reserved for open spaces like parking. Residential and commercial use of these ashrams will not be allowed.
Additionally, the Chief Minister noted the growing number of devotees visiting Ujjain, especially after the creation of the Mahakal Mahalok, and highlighted the need for continued development. Major projects like the Ujjain-Indore six-lane road tender process have already been completed, and the Ujjain-Jaora Greenfield four-lane road is set to begin soon. This broader plan includes developing cities like Indore, Ujjain, Dhar, Bhopal, Gwalior, and Jabalpur.
Dr. Yadav also mentioned that the Indore-Ujjain metro train project has received in-principle approval, and a high-speed circular Vande Metro train connecting Ujjain, Dewas, Fatehabad, and Indore is also planned. Efforts are underway to upgrade Ujjain's airstrip into a fully functional airport, ensuring year-round air connectivity.