₹288.17cr Bhimashankar development plan gets nod, CM orders fast-track implementation

Time of India

9 hours ago

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Pune: Chief minister
Devendra Fadnavis
has cleared the Rs 288.17 crore Bhimashankar development plan and directed its immediate implementation ahead of 2027 Kumbh Mela, with focus on sustainable development, infrastructure upgrades, and crowd management.
The directive was issued on Thursday during a high-level review meeting in Mumbai attended by cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar, MLA Dilip Walse Patil, and senior officials from various departments. "Bhimashankar attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Ensuring their safety and comfort through well-planned, high-quality infrastructure is a top priority. The work must be completed before Kumbh Mela," Fadnavis said at the meeting.
He told officials to draw up a time-bound execution plan and ensure strict compliance.
Pune collector Jitendra Dudi told TOI that as instructed by CM, measures would be taken to complete the project within the given timeline. "The plan will aim to integrate eco-tourism with spiritual tourism and implemented within the given timeline ahead of Kumbh Mela,''he said. Given the rich natural beauty of Bhimashankar region, an extensive eco-tourism concept would also be developed as decided at the meeting, he said.
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The approved blueprint includes comprehensive crowd control measures, improved facilities for pilgrims, and an emphasis on preserving the site's natural beauty.
CM Fadnavis stressed the need for integrating eco-tourism with spiritual tourism. He said that eco-tourism must be central to the plan — nature trails through the surrounding forests and a ropeway to ease access should be prioritised.
Officials present at the meeting said that they were told that the forest area should be used to create nature trails.
A ropeway should also be developed for convenience of pilgrims and tourists.
At Nigadale, plans should be made to provide all necessary amenities like hotels, restaurants, and accommodation for visitors, the officials were tolf.
It was decided that priority should be given to improving transport facilities, including roads and internal connectivity in the Bhimashankar region, and provision should also be made for a helipad.
While developing the area, local shopkeepers and businesses should be allotted new shops, the officials added.
The Rajgurunagar–Taleghar–Bhimashankar highway is a suitable option for smooth transportation and should be developed accordingly.
With a sharp rise in footfall of pilgrims expected during Kumbh Mela, Fadnavis also called for enhanced security arrangements, including setting up of an additional police outpost in the area.
Pune district collector Dudi presented a detailed overview of the proposed works. The meeting was also attended by additional chief secretary (finance) OP Gupta, additional chief secretary (planning) Rajgopal Deora, principal secretary to CM Ashwini Bhide, secretary Dr. Shrikar Pardeshi, and other senior officials.
Officials said the Bhimashankar development plan would serve as a model for sustainable pilgrimage tourism—balancing religious importance with ecological preservation.
The CM said that new commercial units be allotted to existing local shopkeepers to ensure that the local community directly benefits from the development.
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
The plan outlines key infrastructure developments, including: -
Construction of hotels, restaurants, and pilgrim accommodations at Nigadale
- Upgradation of Rajgurunagar–Taleghar–Bhimashankar highway
-Establishment of a helipad for better connectivity during peak seasons
- Setting up a dedicated power substation to ensure uninterrupted electricity
Pune: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has cleared the Rs 288.17 crore Bhimashankar development plan and directed its immediate implementation ahead of 2027 Kumbh Mela, with focus on sustainable development, infrastructure upgrades, and crowd management.
The directive was issued on Thursday during a high-level review meeting in Mumbai attended by cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar, MLA Dilip Walse Patil, and senior officials from various departments. "Bhimashankar attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Ensuring their safety and comfort through well-planned, high-quality infrastructure is a top priority. The work must be completed before Kumbh Mela," Fadnavis said at the meeting.
He told officials to draw up a time-bound execution plan and ensure strict compliance.
Pune collector Jitendra Dudi told TOI that as instructed by CM, measures would be taken to complete the project within the given timeline. "The plan will aim to integrate eco-tourism with spiritual tourism and implemented within the given timeline ahead of Kumbh Mela,''he said. Given the rich natural beauty of Bhimashankar region, an extensive eco-tourism concept would also be developed as decided at the meeting, he said.
The approved blueprint includes comprehensive crowd control measures, improved facilities for pilgrims, and an emphasis on preserving the site's natural beauty.
CM Fadnavis stressed the need for integrating eco-tourism with spiritual tourism. He said that eco-tourism must be central to the plan — nature trails through the surrounding forests and a ropeway to ease access should be prioritised.
Officials present at the meeting said that they were told that the forest area should be used to create nature trails.
A ropeway should also be developed for convenience of pilgrims and tourists.
At Nigadale, plans should be made to provide all necessary amenities like hotels, restaurants, and accommodation for visitors, the officials were tolf.
It was decided that priority should be given to improving transport facilities, including roads and internal connectivity in the Bhimashankar region, and provision should also be made for a helipad.
While developing the area, local shopkeepers and businesses should be allotted new shops, the officials added.
The Rajgurunagar–Taleghar–Bhimashankar highway is a suitable option for smooth transportation and should be developed accordingly.
With a sharp rise in footfall of pilgrims expected during Kumbh Mela, Fadnavis also called for enhanced security arrangements, including setting up of an additional police outpost in the area.
Pune district collector Dudi presented a detailed overview of the proposed works. The meeting was also attended by additional chief secretary (finance) OP Gupta, additional chief secretary (planning) Rajgopal Deora, principal secretary to CM Ashwini Bhide, secretary Dr. Shrikar Pardeshi, and other senior officials.
Officials said the Bhimashankar development plan would serve as a model for sustainable pilgrimage tourism—balancing religious importance with ecological preservation.
The CM said that new commercial units be allotted to existing local shopkeepers to ensure that the local community directly benefits from the development.
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
The plan outlines key infrastructure developments, including: -
Construction of hotels, restaurants, and pilgrim accommodations at Nigadale
- Upgradation of Rajgurunagar–Taleghar–Bhimashankar highway
-Establishment of a helipad for better connectivity during peak seasons
- Setting up a dedicated power substation to ensure uninterrupted electricity