Substantial Funds for Kolhapur: A New Phase of Development Begins – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Kolhapur : The long-pending demand for flood control funds in Kolhapur has been fulfilled, with ₹3,200 crores now approved. This effort aims to permanently eliminate the flood crisis. State Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced today that substantial funds have been allocated for Kolhapur’s development, marking the start of a new era of progress. He was speaking at the inauguration of various development projects under the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation.

The event at Dussehra Chowk was attended by Rajesh Kshirsagar, Executive Chairman of the State Planning Board; MPs Dhananjay Mahadik and Darishsheel Mane; former MLA Amal Mahadik; Collector Amol Yedge; Kolhapur Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Administrator K. Manjulakshmi; and Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Karthikeyan S.

Chief Minister Shinde remarked that Kolhapur, known for its rich industrial history, is now being promoted globally. Development projects include ₹152 crores for the first phase of the Amrit 2.0 scheme, ₹139 crores for the second phase, and ₹25 crores for the reconstruction and conservation of the Sangeetsurya Keshavrao Bhosle theater.

He also emphasized the need for Kolhapur to secure a bench of the Bombay High Court and instructed the municipal administration to make positive decisions for long-serving daily wage employees in the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation.

During the event, Chief Minister Shinde extended Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali greetings, reflecting on his past experience during the Kolhapur floods. He praised Kolhapurkars for their compassion, especially towards animals during the crisis. As the then Health Minister, he ensured the timely distribution of food, fodder, water, and measures to prevent epidemics.

In addition to development, Chief Minister Shinde highlighted ongoing welfare schemes. ₹17,000 crores have been deposited into the accounts of 2.3 crore women through the Chief Minister’s Ladki Bahin Yojana. Five installments have been disbursed so far, and the upcoming October and November installments will be credited before the election code of conduct is implemented. This initiative aims to empower women economically, with a goal of making them “lakhpatis.”

Chief Minister Shinde also mentioned that more than 5 crore people have benefited from the government’s Dari Yojana. He reiterated the government’s commitment to various welfare initiatives, including the Chief Minister Yuva Karya Yojana, Chief Minister Baliraja Free Electricity Yojana, Chief Minister Vyoshree Yojana, Chief Minister Thirtha Darshan Yojana, and others aimed at supporting all sections of society.

In his introductory remarks, Rajesh Kshirsagar expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Shinde for allocating substantial funds to Kolhapur. He also recalled the Chief Minister’s help during the 2019 floods.

The event began with dignitaries offering prayers to an idol, followed by a warm welcome for Chief Minister Shinde, who was presented with a replica of the Mahalakshmi. Vishwaraj Joshi moderated the event, which saw a large gathering of women and citizens from Kolhapur.

Details of Development Works:

Nearly ₹4,000 crores worth of development work was launched for Kolhapur, including:

• ₹3,200 Crores for Kolhapur-Sangli District Flood Control
• ₹277 Crores for the Construction of an International Convention Center
• ₹152 Crores for the 1st Phase of the Amrit 2.0 Scheme
• ₹139 Crores for the 2nd Phase of the Amrit 2.0 Scheme
• ₹25 Crores for the Reconstruction and Conservation of the Sangeetsurya Keshavrao Bhosle Theater
• ₹25 Crores for Providing Basic Amenities in the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation Area
• ₹3.5 Crores for the Beautification of Panchganga River Ghats
• ₹2.5 Crores for Various Development Works at Panchganga River Ghats
• ₹5 Crores for Laying a Storm Water Drainage Line at Gandhi Maidan
• ₹7 Crores for Road Asphalting in Various Parts of Kolhapur’s Municipal Area
• ₹1.5 Crores for Installing Heritage Lights at Various Places in the City
• ₹5 Crores for Constructing a Musical Fountain at Rankala Lake
• ₹3.31 Crores for Attractive Electric Lighting at Rankala Lake
• ₹3.5 Crores for Building a Miniature Park at Rankala Lake
• ₹3.5 Crores for Renovating the Panchganga Crematorium

₹2.74 crores for the construction of a flood protection wall at Siddharthnagar, ₹2.50 crores for the installation of musical heritage street lights within the Ambabai Mahalakshmi Temple premises, ₹2 crores for the leveling of Chhatrapati Shivaji Stadium, and ₹5 crores for the construction of Hindu Hrudayasmrat Shiv Sena Chief Vandani Balasaheb Thackeray Virangula Park. Additionally, ₹3 crores have been allocated for the development of the Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Wrestling Complex at Shree Niranjan Sanstha Talim Math under 31 Bazaargate.

₹4.50 crores will be used for the installation of benches in various gardens within the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation area, while ₹5 crores have been allocated for the installation of exercise equipment in open gyms and parks across different wards of the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation area. Furthermore, ₹2.50 crores will be used for the installation of wet and dry garbage collectors in Kolhapur city to sort wet, dry, domestic hazardous, and sanitary waste.

₹1.50 crores will be allocated for the development of Dharamveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Chowk at Kasba Bawda under Sugar Mill, and ₹1.50 crores for the development of Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan at Sambhajinagar (Open Space No. 462). Additionally, ₹1 crore has been set aside for the development and beautification of Shahu Park, and ₹3.30 crores for the conservation of Hanuman Lake at Kasba Bawda in Kolhapur city.