Mumbai, May 19: Amid financial caution due to the situation in West Asia, the Maharashtra government has approved plans worth ₹993.72 crore for the development of six major pilgrimage sites, forts, and historical locations in the state.
The funds will be utilized for the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of facilities at these historical and religious sites.
A top committee chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sanctioned these projects and the allocation of funds.
According to a government statement, ₹172 crore has been allocated for the Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar Adarsh Village Development Scheme, ₹41 crore for the preservation of Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s birthplace, ₹134.80 crore for the conservation of Ajinkyatara Fort, ₹133 crore for the Sangam Mahuli Samadhi site project, ₹210 crore for the development of the Shri Kshetra Grishneshwar Jyotirling, and ₹301.54 crore for the Shri Kshetra Parli Vaijnath Jyotirling temple complex.
Under the Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar Jyotirling area development plan, a modern bus station and parking facilities will be constructed, with a target completion date set for May 2027.
To alleviate traffic congestion, bypass roads and road widening projects will also be undertaken. The existing 2.7-meter wide roads will be expanded to seven meters.
The project will include pedestrian pathways, covered corridors, flooring, an amphitheater in the temple complex, a sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 257 KLD, a new police station, and a rest house.
Additionally, future plans include the development of a sub-station in the Dimbhe Dam area, a ropeway facility, and tourism amenities for devotees and visitors at the MTDC Bhimashankar Resort.
The development plan for Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s birthplace in Dehu will focus on the preservation of Bhandaara Dongar and surrounding religious and historical sites. This will involve road beautification, sanitation arrangements, drinking water facilities, parking, accommodation for devotees, an information center, green area preservation, and tree planting.
The conservation and beautification plan for the historic Ajinkyatara Fort in Satara district will feature viewing galleries, new walking paths, landscaping, reconstruction of the Raj Sadar, preservation of turrets, tourist attractions, a suspension bridge, toilets, and rest houses.
Under the Sangam Mahuli Samadhi site project, the preservation of the samadhis of Maharani Tarabai, Maharani Yesubai, and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj will take place, along with the development of the surrounding area.
The Chief Minister has instructed that the temple development work be completed in three phases within the specified timeline.
The first phase will include a grand entrance to the temple complex, a digital queue management system, waiting areas, a community kitchen, yoga and meditation centers, and beautification of the temple premises.
The second phase will focus on the development of sacred water sources and ancient sites, including the scientific revival of the Harihar and Markandeya Tirths, ghats, bicycle tracks, facilities for differently-abled individuals, a food court, and a CCTV system.
The third phase will involve the development of the Meru Parvat project, featuring a massive statue of Lord Shiva, a Shiva Purana and Vedic museum, an amphitheater, a laser light and sound show, and meditation centers.
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