The Maharashtra state cabinet on Tuesday approved the transfer of approximately 4.3 acres of industrial land in Dombivli to the Pimpleshwar Devasthan Temple Trust at a nominal cost, following encroachment rules.
Details of the Land Transfer
The land, located along Kalyan-Shil Road, is owned by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in the Sagaon-Sonarpada area of the Dombivli industrial zone. The Shri Pimpaleshwar Mahadev Temple, believed to be around 150 years old, has been situated on this land and received pilgrimage site status from the Maharashtra government in 1997. The trust currently uses the land, which will be cleared of encroachments and formally handed over.
Government Process
The government received a request to provide the land to the organization for social work at a nominal cost. MIDC submitted information through a resolution. Based on inputs from the home department, government policy, and recommendations from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) and the state-level committee, the cabinet approved the transfer in the name of the Pimpleshwar Devasthan Trust, according to a government press release.
Additional Directives
The cabinet decision also directed KDMC to formulate a policy and take appropriate action regarding encroachments on MIDC-owned land, including regularisation or relocation. It was clarified that this case cannot be used as a precedent.
Temple Development Plans
Temple trust officials stated that local MP Shrikant Shinde pursued the matter. The decision will aid in planned development, beautification, and preservation of the temple complex, which includes a gaushala, Vedic school, social hall, and over 400 trees.
