The Maharashtra state government has made a significant decision to hand over a prime piece of land in the popular hill station of Chikhaldara to a religious trust. In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the approval was granted to transfer more than three acres of land from the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to the Shri Ambadevi Sansthan in Amravati district.
Details of the Land Transfer Decision
The land in question measures precisely 3 acres and 8 R and is situated in Chikhaldara. Originally allocated to the MTDC back in 1975 for the purpose of developing tourist infrastructure, the plot has remained completely unused for nearly five decades. The cabinet, in its meeting held on Wednesday, decided to transfer this land to the Sansthan free of cost. It will be classified as a 'Bhogwatdar Class-2' property, with the strict condition that it can only be utilized for religious purposes.
The proposal for this transfer was put forward by Revenue Minister and Amravati's Guardian Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule. He emphasized that this move is expected to enhance the tourist appeal of Chikhaldara while simultaneously facilitating improved amenities for the devotees visiting the area.
Sansthan's Plans and Historical Context
The Shri Ambadevi Sansthan, which manages the revered Devi Point and Virat Devi temples in Chikhaldara, had formally requested the land transfer to support temple development. Sansthan Treasurer Vilas Marathe confirmed this request. Expressing profound gratitude, DM Shrimali, President of the Ambadevi Sansthan, stated that their persistent efforts have finally borne fruit.
Shrimali highlighted the prime location of the land, calling it "the best spot in entire Chikhaldara." The Sansthan now plans to develop the site to adequately meet the needs of both devotees and tourists. He mentioned that a development plan had been submitted to CIDCO years ago, but it will now require revisions. Special consideration will be given to the region's climatic conditions, including excessive rainfall and chilly winters, during the planning and construction phases.
Focus on Modernization and Community Impact
Shrimali also provided insight into the temple's evolution, noting that the local tribal communities, or adivasis, historically practiced goat sacrifices at the site. "We stopped that practice," he said, "and now we want to develop good facilities there for the devotees." This statement underscores the Sansthan's intent to modernize the pilgrimage experience while respecting local sentiments.
The decision marks a pivotal shift in the use of a long-dormant government asset. By transferring it to a religious institution with a clear development mandate, the state government aims to unlock the land's potential, boost religious tourism in the tribal belt of Amravati, and create enhanced infrastructure for visitors. This single-agenda cabinet decision reflects a focused approach to addressing specific regional development and cultural needs.
