Kolhapur: The development of Pandharpur temple corridor, estimated to cost Rs 4,150.46 crore, was formally approved on Monday by a high-powered committee chaired by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Project Overview
The temple town in Solapur district attracts millions of devotees during the four major yatras (processions) of the Hindu calendar. To accommodate the year-round influx of pilgrims, the state government plans to develop the area on the model of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor in Varanasi and the Mahakal Lok in Ujjain. Officials stated that the proposed infrastructure has been designed to meet the town's requirements for the next 50 years.
Chief Minister's Directives
Chief minister Fadnavis directed authorities to commence work immediately, setting a strict deadline of 30 months for the project's completion.
"Pandharpur is an essential religious and cultural pilgrimage site for Maharashtra. Every year, during the Ashadhi, Kartiki, Chaitri, and Maghi processions, lakhs of devotees arrive for the darshan of Shri Vitthal-Rukmini," the CM said in an official statement. "Considering the growing numbers, we must expedite planned development regarding roads, transportation, and amenities." He added that the vision is to provide a "clean, crowd-free, safe, and spiritually satisfying experience" through sustainable and future-oriented infrastructure.
Land Acquisition and Compensation
Addressing the sensitive issue of land acquisition, Fadnavis stated, "Adequate compensation must be provided immediately to affected residential and commercial property owners, as well as tenants. Funds for land acquisition should be made available without delay to ensure no work is stalled."
Local Opposition and Concerns
Despite the government's push, the project faces stiff resistance from local traders and residents who fear the loss of their homes and livelihoods.
Speaking to TOI, Rahul Shinde-Naik, a councillor of the Pandharpur Town Council, insisted that no work should begin until a 100% rehabilitation plan is executed. He also called for a thorough discussion within the local council to address community grievances.
"There are several technical flaws in the approved plan. For instance, the proposed commercial complex is located within flood lines," Shinde-Naik said. "Furthermore, much of the infrastructure is planned on government land that currently has encroachments; these residents must be included in the rehabilitation scheme. We also demand that the ancient Mutts and smaller shrines surrounding the main temple be preserved and conserved."
