Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Friday lambasted the previous Left front government for neglecting and allegedly damaging the royal heritage and religious tourism sites, asserting that the BJP-led government is now actively restoring and developing these historic places.

Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for tourism infrastructure at Kamalasagar and the Chaturdash Devta Temple in the Kasba Kalibari Complex under Sepahijala District, Dr. Saha said Tripura holds immense untapped tourism potential.

“There is enormous scope for tourism in Tripura. The current government is working with special priority to boost this sector. The previous regime destroyed the cultural and religious tourism monuments associated with our royal heritage. We are committed to restoring and reviving them with a fresh approach,” said the Chief Minister.

Dr. Saha highlighted that it was previously difficult for tourists to access the renowned Kasbeshwari Temple due to the poor condition of the approach road. He said after speaking with Public Works Department officials, a 13-km road stretch from the national highway was constructed at a cost of ₹34 crore, significantly easing travel for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of infrastructure-led development, Dr. Saha said the state has allocated nearly ₹7,000 crore for infrastructure in this year’s budget. He emphasized that both World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB)-assisted projects are underway to transform Tripura's tourism landscape.

“Investment in infrastructure brings returns. When we spend, we attract more people, which helps improve both livelihood and the local economy,” he noted, adding that quality will be a key focus in the development of both the Kamalasagar and Kasbeshwari Temple projects.

The Chief Minister further said that the region witnesses huge footfall during events like the Bhadra Mela at Kasbeshwari Temple and the seven-day Kharchi Mela at the Fourteen Deities Temple—both of which hold deep cultural and spiritual significance.

Slamming the earlier declaration of tourism as an ‘industry’ without substantial action, Dr. Saha said the current government is focused on improving the quality of life and generating employment through robust tourism development.

He also referred to the recently laid foundation stone of the 51 Shakti Peeth Park at Banduar in Udaipur, noting it as another major step towards expanding Tripura’s tourism ecosystem.