In a significant move aimed at honoring a key figure in Maratha history, the Maharashtra government has finalized a major land exchange to facilitate the development of the samadhi site of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at Vadhu Budruk in Pune district. The decision, announced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday, involves a direct swap of land parcels between a state-owned hospital and the public works department.
The Land Exchange: Preserving Heritage and Health
The core of this administrative action is a strategic land transfer. The state will acquire a plot currently owned by the KEM Hospital in Pune, measuring 0.87 hectares and 20 acres at Vadhu Budruk in Shirur taluka. This land will be dedicated entirely to the comprehensive development and enhancement of the sacred samadhi site.
In a compensatory move to ensure public health infrastructure is not compromised, the government has sanctioned the transfer of an equivalent land parcel to the hospital. 81 acres of land at Kondhapuri in Pune district, which is presently under the control of the Public Works Department (PWD), will be handed over to KEM Hospital with full possession rights.
A "Historic and Balanced" Decision
Announcing the policy, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule described it as a historic step that achieves a careful balance. He emphasized that the move demonstrates the government's respect for the state's cultural legacy while simultaneously protecting interests related to public welfare.
"This decision strikes a perfect balance between preserving our rich historical and religious heritage and safeguarding public health interests," Bawankule stated. He added that it reflects the administration's deep reverence for the memory of Swarajya Rakshak Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Expected Outcomes and Future Development
The primary goal of this land allocation is to accelerate infrastructural improvements at the samadhi site. Officials believe that securing clear and dedicated land rights is the first crucial step toward systematic development.
The government expects this initiative to lead to better facilities for the thousands of devotees and history enthusiasts who visit the site annually. Enhanced accessibility, improved amenities, and overall development of the location are now on the horizon. Bawankule expressed confidence that this step would enable faster progress and provide "improved, great facilities" for visitors.
The proactive efforts of the state's revenue department were instrumental in identifying and executing this land exchange solution, which resolves a long-standing requirement for the samadhi's expansion while ensuring a valuable asset for a key public hospital.
