Maharashtra proposes Rs494 cr for development of pilgrim centres

Maharashtra government has proposed a budgetary allocation of Rs 494 crore for development of pilgrim centres all over the state during 2010-11. 

In the budget 2010-11 presented in the legislature today, finance minister Sunil Tatkare said he proposes to provide an outlay of Rs 75 crore to the Tuljapur Development Authority for development of the pilgrim town of Tuljapur.

Another Rs 140 crore have been earmarked for the current year to undertake various development works at pilgrim centres of Dehu, Alandi, Pandharpur, Bhandara Dongar and Palkhi Tal. 

To mark the completion of 100 years of the samadhi of Shri Gajanan Maharaj at Shegaon, Rs 65 crore has been proposed.

The government proposes to develop the premises of the temple of Sant Dnyaneshwar at Apegaon in Paithan to promote tourism and conserve the historical legacy and has allocated Rs 200 crore for the same, Tatkare said.

He said Rs 5 crore will be made available for development of Shri Kshetra Parshuram, another holy place in Konkan.

Similarly, at the Shri Bharadi Devi Mata in Malwan taluka of Sindhudurg district, Rs 2 crore will be provided for setting up various facilities at the pilgrim centre. 

The government will also provide Rs 2 crore for development of Shri Kshetra Kunkeshwar, a Shiva temple located in Devgad at Sindhudurg district.

Another holy place in Pune district, the temple of Lord Khandoba in Jejuri will be given Rs 5 crore for upgradation of its facilities during the year, Tatkare said.