Pune: Dagdusheth Temple Expansion Moves Ahead As Police Issue NOC For New Complex

Pune's Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is set to expand as the police have granted an NOC for relocating the Faraskhana and Vishrambaug police stations. However, the stations will only be moved once a brand new, fully equipped police complex is constructed and staffed. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar gave the NOC to the Home Department on August 10, emphasizing that the current police premises will remain operational until the replacement facility is up and running.

The temple trust will have to transfer a municipal plot in Budhwar Peth to the police department for the new complex's construction. The new facility will house the Faraskhana and Vishrambaug police stations, a traffic outpost, and senior police offices currently housed in the existing premises. The temple trust and the Home Department will share the financial burden of the new complex, with the latter also responsible for compensating the trust for the land it will acquire.

Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust joint secretary Hemant Rasane stated that the trust is prepared to build the new complex if given the green light by the government, noting that the existing structure is antiquated and fails to cater to the needs of Pune's burgeoning city. The expansion is a result of the temple receiving Class A tourism status from the state government in May, thereby qualifying for government assistance for infrastructure and development.

For now, the police stations will not be relocated immediately, with the next stage depending on the finalization of the new complex, its financing, and the land transfer process.