MANDI, April 7: — The ambitious Shivdham religious tourism project, once touted as a game-changer for Mandi district, remains stalled for two years despite recent announcements of renewed funding by the Himachal Pradesh government.
Originally launched under former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, the project was proposed to be built at Kangnidhar in Mandi at a cost of Rs 250 crore. The BJP-led government had initially allocated Rs 40 crore and construction had begun, but it came to a halt ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections due to reported financial constraints.
Since then, no significant progress has been made, frustrating local residents and tourism stakeholders who had pinned hopes on the project’s potential to create jobs and boost the regional economy.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who took office in December 2022, had promised to revive the project and announced a fresh allocation of Rs 100 crore. The announcement was welcomed locally, but on-ground construction has yet to resume.
“The Shivdham project holds great potential to transform Mandi into a religious tourism hub,” said O.P. Kapoor, president of the Citizens’ Council Mandi. “But without timely execution, the vision risks fading and the economic opportunities may be lost.”
The project was designed to include world-class spiritual infrastructure—temples, meditation centres, and recreational facilities—with the goal of drawing pilgrims and tourists to the already scenic and culturally rich region.
According to Kapoor, the project site at Kangnidhar had once been referred to as the ‘oxygen cylinder’ of Mandi town due to its dense forest cover. “The forest was cleared for this project, and now the government must ensure its timely completion,” he added.
Former minister and BJP MLA from Mandi Sadar, Anil Sharma, said he recently raised the issue in the Vidhan Sabha. “The Chief Minister assured the House that the project will be completed, and a provision has been made in the state budget,” Sharma told reporters.
Local businesses—hotels, eateries, and shops—were banking on increased footfall once Shivdham was operational. With Mandi already known for its religious sites, stakeholders say the additional infrastructure could have significantly boosted the tourism sector.
Despite the promise of funds and political assurances, the delay continues to cast uncertainty over the project’s future. “People are waiting with hope, but patience is running thin,” Kapoor noted.
As Mandi waits for signs of construction to resume, the next few months will be critical in determining whether Shivdham becomes the spiritual landmark once envisioned or remains another stalled promise.
