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Bengal

CM inaugurates Dakshineswar skywalk

Dakshineswar: The Dakshineswar skywalk, a futuristic 10.5 metre-wide and 340 metre-long elevated glass-and-steel pathway from the Dakshineswar Railway Station to the compound of the famous and historic Kali temple, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday.

It will also connect the nearby traffic rotary with the gates of the temple compound for those coming for darshan by road.

Addressing a gathering here after inaugurating the much-awaited skywalk, the Chief Minister attacked BJP and said that some people, clad in saffron, are misinterpreting religion.

"One cannot become a monk just by wearing saffron. The colour symbolises dedication. Some people who intend to pose as monks are fake and they mislead others in the name of religion," Banerjee said.

"I was invited to attend a programme at Chicago to commemorate 150 years of Parliament of Religion where Swami Vivekananda had delivered his historic lecture. But I was not allowed to take part in the event. However, no one can stop us from doing our work with mere threats and politicising critical issues," the Chief Minister stated.

"We do not sell religion. I had faced great difficulty in setting up the skywalk. Three political parties misled the hawkers having stalls along Rani Rashmoni Road outside the temple. Even the Calcutta High Court pronounced its judgment saying that the skywalk must be constructed," she added.

The Chief Minister also stated that the state government is mulling similar kind of project outside Kalighat temple. She instructed state Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim, who was on the stage with her, to initiate dialogue with the Kalighat temple trust so that it can happen.

"The KMDA will carry out a survey in order to execute a similar project in Kalighat. A committee will be constituted to look into the matter," the Chief Minister announced.

She once again reminded that lakhs of devotees coming to Dakshineswar temple will be able to enter the temple directly from the railway station through the skywalk without any hassle.

"We assured the hawkers that they would be rehabilitated and there would be no loss of employment for them. The state government and Dakhineswar temple trust faced unprecedented inconveniences posed by three political parties. Dakshineswar is an international religious tourist spot. The Centre tried to remove it from their map."

There are 137 stalls set up which will be handed over to the hawkers through a lottery system. The whole process would be completed within the next seven days, she maintained.

"I urge the hawkers to maintain cleanliness in the area. Those who will perform well in keeping the place neat will be awarded. I also request Kamarhati Municipality to engage around 50 workers under 100 days work to maintain cleanliness outside the temple. The trust of Dakshineswar temple will monitor the works," Banerjee added.

The state government carried out renovation of Dakshineswar Ghat (river embankment) at a cost of Rs 19 crore and Rs 30 crore was spent for the embankment at Belur Math.

She also said that a full-fledged police station will be created for Dakshineswar temple for better management of law and order situation.

Banerjee also announced that the history related to the temple will be shown to people through light and sound show that will be held at the temple complex.

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