Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday performed the groundbreaking ceremony (bhoomipujan) for Phase I of the proposed temple corridor at the Siddhivinayak temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. The corridor will be constructed within the temple premises.
New Look and Better Crowd Management
Speaking to the media, Fadnavis said that once completed, the corridor would give a new look to the temple premises and enable better crowd management. It will also provide better facilities and a pleasant atmosphere for devotees who come for darshan.
Phase I Details
Phase I includes construction of a temple entrance gate, stone cladding work on the existing wall inside and outside, roof covering on the north side, flooring work on the north side, lighting and plumbing work, and a parking facility in the basement for 120 cars.
Deputy CM's Remarks
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said this was the first phase of the temple corridor. He noted, "This temple is very old ... everyone has great faith in it. This corridor will be completed in two years. From the security point of view, lakhs of people will come here, the devotees will get relief, and the premises here will get a complete makeover."
Inauguration of Jawahar Balbhavan
Earlier in the day, Fadnavis inaugurated the renovated Jawahar Balbhavan at Charni Road. School education minister Dada Bhuse said the renovated building has an auditorium and a fully equipped library on the ground floor, while the first floor has dance, drama and music rooms, and the second floor a stage for performances along with sculpture and painting galleries.
Fadnavis urged Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde to ensure that BMC students avail of the facilities, adding that the building can cater to one lakh students every month.
Release of Collection
Later in the evening, Fadnavis released a collection titled 'Rashtra Nirmanachi Tatpurti' on the occasion of the Narendra Modi government completing 12 years.
