Pune: Rehabilitation Of Villagers, New Amenities Planned At Bhimashankar

Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi has instructed his team to expedite the implementation of a development plan for the Bhimashankar Temple and its surrounding areas. The project aims to strike a balance between the needs of local residents and devotees, while prioritizing environmental conservation. Officials Babaji Kale, MLA and Kiran Indalkar, District Planning Officer, attended the meeting.

Under the plan, villagers will receive plots based on the size of their current landholdings. New housing options, ranging from 1-BHK to 3-BHK, will be built for those who are rehabilitated. The proposed settlement will feature essential amenities such as a gram panchayat office, primary health center, anganwadi, school, multipurpose hall, community hall, food distribution center, parking, public toilets, water supply, streetlights, sewage and waste management systems.

A connecting corridor will link the village to the temple complex, while devotees will enjoy facilities like a prasad center, holding area, seating arrangements and toilets after completing their darshan. A designated steps route will facilitate devotees' return to the village, potentially boosting local businesses.

Concurrent discussions focused on cleaning and fencing the river and kund areas, along with arrangements for safe bathing. Dudi stressed the need for local cooperation in preventing encroachments and unauthorized constructions post-project completion. The administration has set a completion deadline of June 2027, with increased work pace expected post-monsoon.

A presentation and video outlining the development plan were presented during the meeting, providing villagers with a detailed vision of the future Bhimashankar village and vicinity. Trustees of the Bhimashankar Temple, local residents, and officials from various departments participated in the discussion.