The Maharashtra state government has granted administrative approval for the ambitious Pandharpur Temple corridor and commercial complex development plan, valued at Rs 3,993 crore. District collector S Karthikeyan has been appointed as the project implementation officer.
Government Resolution and Approval
The state planning department, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, issued a government resolution (GR) granting administrative approval to the plan, which is modeled after the temple corridors in Varanasi and Ujjain. The temple town of Pandharpur hosts four major pilgrimages (waris) annually, with the upcoming Ashadi Ekadashi expected to attract over 20 lakh devotees.
The GR outlines the reasons for the corridor development, including the ever-increasing number of devotees, narrow roads, encroachments, traffic congestion, safety of warkaris (pilgrims), and disaster management concerns. A high-powered committee headed by Fadnavis approved the plan on May 4, and now the administrative approval for fund allocation has been granted.
Rehabilitation of Traders
According to officials, the major concern of rehabilitating small traders from the temple's vicinity has been addressed after several rounds of deliberations. A senior official, requesting anonymity, stated, "The traders will not lose their livelihood. They will be rehabilitated in the commercial complex, and after the project is completed, the increase in visitor numbers will help them earn more."
Budget Allocation
Nearly half of the project amount will be spent on land acquisition (Rs 1,792 crore) and compensation to building owners affected by the corridor development (Rs 234 crore), which includes developing the Pradakshina Marg (circumambulatory path). The government has allocated Rs 36 crore for the protection and preservation of old mutts (monasteries) and temples. The corridor development itself will cost Rs 254 crore, while the parking and commercial complex will require Rs 448 crore. Funds have also been set aside for city beautification and development of ghats (riverfront steps).
Temple Closure for Conservation
On June 23 and 24, the Vitthal-Rukhmini temple in Pandharpur will remain closed as experts from the Archaeological Society of India and the state archaeology department conduct conservation work on the idols. A coating was applied to the idols five years ago, and a similar exercise will be carried out to extend their lifespan. The Mandir Mahasangh, a forum of priests, has demanded that experts use naturally available materials instead of chemical coatings, arguing that chemical treatments would go against holy texts.
Ban on Drones
The Solapur district administration has banned the flying of drones in Pandharpur, along the Palkhi routes, and in major temple areas within the district as part of law and order measures for devotee safety. Licensed drone operators have been asked to furnish their details to local police stations. Ashadi Ekadashi will be observed from July 19 to July 29, with the main day on July 25, when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife will attend the rituals.
