NHPC signs MoU to develop Bhadrakali Temple as Cultural Heritage Centre

Jammu, Aug 03: The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), through its Regional Office Jammu, on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (M) Office, J&K, for the development of the Bhadrakali Temple as a Cultural Heritage Centre at Village Thalwal, Jammu.Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the MoU signing ceremony at Raj Bhawan. He commended NHPC’s initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, emphasising its importance in cultural preservation.Located on the banks of the Nikki Tawi River in Thalwal, the Bhadrakali Temple is a revered site of great significance, especially for the Kashmiri Pandit community. It symbolises their enduring faith and serves as a vital link to their cultural heritage. The temple is considered a new home for the deity, mirroring the historical Bhadrakali temple in Wadipora, Handwara, Kashmir.Expressing commitment to cultural preservation, the Lieutenant Governor stated, “We are determined to preserve our heritage and strengthen our cultural, spiritual, and historical identity.”The development works under the project, estimated at Rs 6.60 crore, include the development of ghats, construction of parking facilities, a Yagya Shala, protection and compound walls, finishing of the existing building, and installation of a gate.Senior officials present at the event included Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Dr. Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation (M) Commissioner, Jammu; Pankaj Vashistha, General Manager (Civil) of NHPC; along with other senior officials.