Despite several years passing, the reconstitution of the Mata Sukrala and Mata BalaSundri Shrine Board, which is responsible for major developmental plans, remains unresolved. The official website of the Board, launched last year, is frequently inaccessible without any clear reasons provided by the authorities concerned. The previous non-official members’ terms on the Shrine Board expired over two years ago, but little effort has been made by the administration to make the board fully functional. Recommendations for new members were forwarded to the Government for approval in February of last year, but no decision has been made yet for unknown reasons. As per Section 13 of the Shri Mata Sukrala Devi and Shri Mata BalaSundari Shrine Act, 2013, a minimum of seven members must be present for any business to be conducted during board meetings. The lack of reconstitution of the Board is hindering the overall development of the areas surrounding both shrines.
Both the religious shrines and the surrounding areas suffer from a lack of basic amenities, inadequate infrastructure, and various other development issues. The shrines lack essential amenities necessary for the comfort and convenience of devotees. This includes facilities like proper sanitation, clean drinking water, seating arrangements, and restrooms. The existing infrastructure around the shrines is often inadequate to handle the growing number of visitors. This leads to overcrowding, a lack of proper pathways, and inadequate parking facilities. Insufficient lodging options can impact the overall experience of visitors and discourage extended stays. The shrines face connectivity issues, such as poor road conditions or limited public transportation options. Difficulties in reaching the shrines deter potential visitors and hamper the development of the surrounding areas. The overall development initiatives for the shrines are lacking in the absence of plans for beautification, landscape maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades that are necessary to enhance the overall experience for devotees and tourists.
Over and above that, the authorities have failed to promote both of these shrines. There are no activities for raising awareness about the religious and cultural significance of the shrines, organising events and festivals, or implementing effective marketing strategies to showcase their unique features. The lack of effective promotion and marketing initiatives for the shrines has resulted in limited awareness among potential visitors. Insufficient efforts to showcase the religious and cultural significance of the shrines have hindered their growth as popular tourist destinations.
The responsibility for the development of the Sukrala Mata and BalaSundari shrines primarily lies with the Government. As per the Shri Mata Sukrala Devi and Shri Mata BalaSundari Shrine Act, the Government is entrusted with the task of ensuring the overall development and management of these religious sites.
It is important for the administration to timely reconstitute board, allocate sufficient funds, coordinate with relevant departments and agencies, and actively engage with local communities and religious authorities to address the development needs of the Sukrala Mata and BalaSundari shrines. Developing alternative tourist sites requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders. It demands focused attention, strategic planning, and continuous monitoring to ensure that these sites thrive and contribute positively to the tourism sector and local economies. The Government has to contribute significantly to the overall growth and enhancement of these religious sites.
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