Pune's Ambitious Bhimashankar Temple Rehabilitation and Development Plan Unveiled
In a significant move to address congestion and enhance spiritual tourism, Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi presented the comprehensive Bhimashankar Development and Comprehensive Rehabilitation Policy before the planning department secretary in Mumbai on Tuesday. The policy focuses on rehabilitating families around the revered Bhimashankar temple—one of the 12 jyotirlings—and decongesting the shrine precinct to ensure superior crowd management and safety.
Four-Phase Execution Over 18 Months
The proposed project is structured to unfold in four distinct phases spanning 18 months. The initial phase will involve land acquisition and necessary approvals, followed by infrastructure development. Subsequently, construction of approximately 120 homes will commence, leading to the phased relocation of families and clearance of the temple precinct. This systematic approach aims to minimize disruption while achieving long-term goals.
Rehabilitation of 100-125 Families
Central to the plan is the rehabilitation of 100 to 125 families currently residing in the densely populated temple vicinity. These families will be relocated to a 36-acre site near the main village square area, with 18 to 20 acres earmarked for acquisition at an estimated cost of Rs 33.06 crore, based on 2024 ready reckoner rates. Collector Dudi emphasized that this rehabilitation is crucial for the success of the development and crowd management scheme, stating, "The rehabilitation of the entire village is a decision to ensure the success of the Bhimashankar development and crowd management scheme and it is being done with the support of the people."
Expanding Temple Capacity and Safety
Currently, the temple can comfortably accommodate only about 150 tourists, while around 2,000 devotees often crowd the steps, leading to significant congestion and safety hazards. The new plan proposes to free up 5,800 square meters of space, expanding the temple premises to accommodate 20,000 to 25,000 devotees at a time. This expansion is particularly timely ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela next year. Dudi highlighted, "The project will significantly improve crowd management, emergency movement and overall devotee experience while protecting the ecological balance of the sanctuary."
Infrastructure and Economic Stability
The rehabilitation settlement will feature:
- 500 sq ft houses for 80% of families
- 1,000 sq ft houses for 20% of families
- Shops and service centers linked to temple tourism
- Community building, primary health centre, and primary school
- Open civic spaces and commercial areas reserved for rehabilitated families to ensure economic stability
Additionally, the temple precinct will be redesigned with holding areas, queue corridors, open spaces, and emergency routes to facilitate smoother darshan and safer movement.
Sustainable Development and Heritage Preservation
The new heritage smart village will incorporate cutting-edge sustainable features, including:
- Solar street lighting
- Underground cabling with zero overhead wires
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Sewage treatment plant with zero liquid discharge
- Herbal gardens and comprehensive civic infrastructure
Designed with a circular layout and central community space, the settlement aims to be self-sustaining. Officials believe this project will serve as a model for balancing spiritual tourism, environmental conservation, and local development at religious sites.
Next Steps for Approval
The proposal will now be presented before the high-power committee under the chief secretary, followed by the apex committee chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for final approval. Collector Dudi assured that the entire process will be carried out in coordination with local villagers, ensuring community involvement and support throughout the implementation.
