Maharashtra cabinet approves Mahalaxmi & Jotiba temple development plans

Kolhapur: The state cabinet meeting held on Tuesday approved a Rs 1,445.9 crore development plan for Kolhapur's Mahalaxmi temple, and a Rs 259.6 crore plan for the development of the Jyotiba temple and surrounding areas. The cabinet meeting took place at Chaundi in Jamkhed taluka of Ahilyangar.

Kolhapur guardian minister Prakash Abitkar said, "This decision will accelerate tourism and development activities in Kolhapur district. The district administration conducted in-depth studies and incorporated essential and priority works to create practical development plans."

The Mahalaxmi temple development plan includes the restoration and conservation of the temple, removal of obstacles and encroachments along the Kiranotsav festival path, management of stalls in the temple premises, a covered pavilion for darshan queues, toilets and drinking water facilities, lockers and shoe stands, and the development of the Bhavani Mandap area as heritage plaza.

The Jyotiba temple plan includes the conservation of the temples, preservation of pathways, conservation of Karpureshwar, Chavan, and Muralidhar lakes, parking facilities for devotees, creation of a light pillar using solar energy, solid waste and wastewater management projects, and beautification of Kedar Vijay Garden.