State Government to Extend All Necessary Support for Kolhapur’s Development – Guardian Minister Madhuri Tai Misal

Review held on temple development plans, urban development, transport, social justice, medical education, and minority welfare initiatives

Kolhapur – The implementation of various development projects in the district is progressing well, and all necessary assistance for Kolhapur’s future development will be provided promptly by the state government, assured Madhuri Tai Misal, Minister of State for Urban Development, Transport, Social Justice, Medical Education, Minority Welfare & Waqf, Maharashtra, and Guardian Minister for Kolhapur district.

She chaired a review meeting at Shahuji Hall in the District Collector’s office, where she evaluated the progress of departments under her charge. Present at the meeting were Executive Chairman of the State Planning Board and MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar, MLA Rahul Awade, District Collector Amol Yedge, Kolhapur Municipal Commissioner K. Manjulakshmi, Superintendent of Police Yogesh Kumar Gupta, Zilla Parishad CEO Kartikeyan S., Ichalkaranji Municipal Commissioner Pallavi Patil, Additional Commissioner Rahul Rokade, District Planning Officer Vijay Bhople, and heads of concerned departments.

During the meeting, the Guardian Minister emphasized the implementation of the development plans for the Shri Karveer Nivasini Ambabai Temple and Shri Jyotiba Temple precincts. She noted that there are apprehensions among local residents and business owners about rehabilitation measures, and called on the administration to provide clear information to address their concerns and gain their cooperation. She mentioned that during her last two visits, she had recommended several additions to the Ambabai Temple development plan. District Collector Amol Yedge informed that projects worth an additional ₹100 crore have been included in the updated plan. Meetings will soon be held with local business stakeholders to address their concerns and explain the rehabilitation plans.

Regarding the city’s boundary expansion, the minister instructed officials to incorporate selected nearby villages on priority and demonstrate the facilities offered by the municipal corporation to create a model for others. This, she said, would help clear misconceptions about the boundary expansion process. MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar proposed including villages within the Panchganga River and National Highway belt, noting that ten villages have already become integrated into the urban landscape. He also requested the release of pending funds for urban road development.

MLA Rahul Awade requested funds for the Rabindranath Tagore Library under Ichalkaranji Municipal Corporation. He also pointed out that HPCL’s gas pipeline excavation, conducted in three phases, has not resulted in revenue being paid to the municipal body. Collector Yedge responded that details of pending revenue would be prepared and submitted to HPCL, and a meeting would soon be convened to address the issue.

Several complaints were raised regarding HSRP number plates under the Transport Department. The Guardian Minister directed regional transport officers to resolve public grievances and take action against fraudulent suppliers. She also noted congestion issues caused by private buses and vehicles in the city, due to lack of proper passenger amenities. She directed RTO Sanjeev Bhor and the municipal corporation to implement effective traffic management measures.

Reviewing the functioning of the State Transport Corporation, the minister instructed that immediate proposals be submitted if more buses are needed for rural transport. She also stressed the importance of maintaining clean and functional toilets at every ST stand and instructed necessary repairs. On this occasion, Kolhapur Division Controller Shivraj Jadhav of the MSRTC was felicitated for his 31 years of service upon retirement by the Guardian Minister.

Madhuri Tai Misal also reviewed the flood preparedness of the Kolhapur and Ichalkaranji municipal corporations, as well as local councils. She emphasized that instead of last-minute efforts during the monsoon, a year-round flood management plan should be implemented to ensure sustainable preparedness.

During her visit, the Guardian Minister also visited Ambabai and Jyotiba temples, offering prayers and reviewing information related to the development plans of both temple precincts.