Maharashtra Government Sanctions ₹39.94 Crore for Shri Mahalakshmi Jagdamba Temple Development in Nagpur
The Maharashtra government has sanctioned a substantial amount of ₹39.94 crore for the development of the Shri Mahalakshmi Jagdamba temple located in Nagpur. This funding release is specifically aimed at covering additional project costs, including GST and price escalation, under the ongoing temple development plan.
Background and Previous Approvals
The temple development plan had initially received administrative approval for a total of ₹220.81 crore. Subsequently, the state government sanctioned an additional ₹44.94 crore to address expenses that were not included in the original approvals. Out of this additional amount, ₹39.94 crore has now been officially released for the project.
Funding Mechanism and Implementation
The funds were approved through a recent government resolution under the scheme for the development of pilgrimage sites in municipal council areas. This allocation pertains to phase one and phase two of the temple's development project and will be drawn from the budget provisions for the 2025–26 financial year.
The Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) has been designated as the implementing agency for the project. The funds will be routed through the district administration, with the district collector acting as the controlling officer responsible for their distribution to the executing agency.
Strict Guidelines and Timelines
The government has directed that the sanctioned amount must be utilized strictly for approved works and within the stipulated timeframe. Authorities have been instructed to ensure that the funds are fully spent by March 31, 2027. Additionally, they are required to submit utilisation certificates after the completion of the expenditure to ensure transparency and accountability.
Objectives of the Development Plan
The development plan aims to strengthen infrastructure and facilities at the temple precinct. This initiative is crucial as the temple attracts a large number of devotees from across the region throughout the year. Key objectives include:
- Enhancing visitor amenities and accessibility.
- Improving overall infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
- Ensuring sustainable development in line with the temple's cultural and religious significance.
This funding boost is expected to significantly accelerate the development works, providing better facilities for devotees and boosting local tourism and economy.
