The Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) has initiated a major restoration and redevelopment project at the historic Vir Durgadas Ki Chhatri in Ujjain. With a budget of Rs 52.69 crore, this initiative aims to upgrade heritage infrastructure and significantly improve the experience for visitors.
Comprehensive Site Development Plan
Officials outlined an extensive plan for the site's transformation. The project encompasses comprehensive site development, which includes constructing new parking facilities, beautifully landscaped gardens, and stone pitching. A grand foyer and entrance will welcome visitors, leading them to a range of new amenities.
The development will also feature a cafeteria, a dedicated museum, and a pedestal for statue installation. To promote cultural activities, a performing arts space and an open-air theatre are part of the blueprint. Additional infrastructure like a watchtower, retaining wall, a new entrance gate, and toilet blocks will be built. The plan also involves developing the ghats and gardens surrounding the chhatri to enhance its heritage appeal and accessibility.
Preserving History with Modern Amenities
Speaking on the project's vision, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation managing director Ilayaraja T stated that the objective is twofold. "Through this project, our objective is to preserve the historical significance of Vir Durgadas Ki Chhatri while creating quality infrastructure and basic amenities for visitors," he said. "We want heritage sites to be conserved sensitively and also become vibrant public spaces that offer a meaningful experience to tourists."
To ensure visitor comfort, basic amenities such as drinking water facilities, benches, and efficient drainage systems are being integrated into the design. This project is a key part of MPSTDC's broader strategy to undertake development across major tourist destinations in the state, including Indore, Maheshwar, and Choral.
State-Wide Heritage Conservation Efforts
In a parallel effort to safeguard Madhya Pradesh's rich past, the state's directorate of archaeology, archives and museums has established heritage circuits. These circuits are designed to identify and preserve monuments across the state, most of which are over a century old.
Conservation and restoration work under this wider plan is proposed at multiple locations, including prominent sites in Orchha and Morena, alongside those in Ujjain and Indore. Officials have also identified other significant heritage and religious structures in Ujjain for conservation, such as the Chamunda Mata Mandir and the Ramanuj temple.
The revitalisation of Vir Durgadas Ki Chhatri marks a significant step in making historical sites more engaging and accessible, blending preservation with modern tourist facilities to boost heritage tourism in Madhya Pradesh.
