NEW DELHI: Recalling the natural calamity of 2013 that had wreaked destruction in and around the shrine of Kedarnath in the snowy Himalayan heights, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his offer for reconstruction effort as Gujarat Chief Minister had failed to elicit any response from the Congress government. 

Mr. Modi visited Kedarnath in Uttarakhand on Friday and offered prayers at the Kedarnath Temple. He also laid the Foundation Stone for five infrastructure and development projects. 

These include the development of retaining wall and ghat on the Mandakini River; development of retaining wall and ghat on Saraswati River; construction of main approach to Kedarnath Temple; development of Shankaracharya Kutir and Shankaracharya Museum; and development of houses for Kedarnath Purohits. The Prime Minister was briefed on the Kedarpuri Reconstruction Project.

Addressing a gathering, the Prime Minister pledged to devote himself fully to realising the dream of a developed India, by 2022. He  said that as Chief Minister of Gujarat, he had come to do all that he could for the victims; and offered support from the State of Gujarat for the reconstruction effort.

The Prime Minister said the infrastructure being developed in Kedarnath would be of good quality, adding that it would be modern, but would preserve the traditional ethos, and ensure that the environment is not damaged.

Mr. Modi said that the Himalayas have much to offer for spiritualism, adventure and tourism, and for the nature lover. He invited everyone to come and explore the Himalayas.

Governor of Uttarakhand, Dr. K.K. Paul, and Chief Minister of UttarakhandT rivendra Singh Rawat, were present on the occasion.