Mahalaxmi Temple Development Plan: Land Acquisition to Commence in March
Kolhapur District Collector Amol Yedge has announced that the process for land acquisition under the Mahalaxmi Temple Development Plan will begin from March. This significant step follows the submission of a proposal to the Urban Development Department, which is expected to receive approval within a week. Once approved, discussions will be initiated with property owners in the affected area regarding the acquisition details.
Key Modifications and Infrastructure Plans
Collector Yedge revealed that a slight modification will be made to the original development plan. It is highly probable that the parking facility will be established on the road between Bindu Chowk and Bhawani Mandap. Additionally, authorities are considering relocating the current sub-jail to another site and transforming the jail premises into a museum. A final decision on these aspects will be taken after thorough discussions with local residents and traders.
Survey and Compensation Framework
A physical survey of the properties involved in the land acquisition will be conducted within 10 to 15 days. This survey is crucial for the Mahalaxmi Temple Development Plan and will be accompanied by meetings with the relevant property owners. A committee has been appointed under the chairmanship of the additional chief secretary of the State Finance Department to oversee the land acquisition process. Compensation will be provided either in the form of rehabilitation or monetary payments, ensuring fair treatment for all affected parties.
Implementation Strategy and Darshan Queue Changes
Decisions regarding the implementation of the plan and the specific areas for land acquisition will be made following the property survey. There is also a possibility that the location of the previous darshan queue will be altered. This change would allow the darshan queue to be set up from the eastern gate, a move that is currently under consideration. If a darshan pavilion is constructed on this side, parking facilities will be provided along the route from Bindu Chowk to Main Rajaram High School.
Note: The route from Bindu Chowk to Main Rajaram High School currently features shops and houses. There is potential to elevate structures and arrange parking facilities beneath them, optimizing space usage.
Financial Contributions from Devotees
The counting of offerings made by devotees in the 11 donation hundis at the Mahalaxmi temple premises is managed by the Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti (PMDS). In the past two months alone, devotees have donated over Rs 2.2 crore, highlighting the temple's significant religious and financial importance.
