Deputy CM Eknath Shinde lays foundation stones for various development works in Alandi; calls for collective effort to make Indrayani River pollution-free

Pune, Oct 2025 : Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that Dehu and Alandi are sacred pilgrimage sites of Maharashtra, and the Indrayani River, which flows through these holy places, symbolizes the faith of countless devotees. He emphasized that the state government is committed to making the Indrayani River pollution-free, directing all concerned departments to work together on this mission. “This is not only an environmental conservation effort but also a reflection of our faith. Every citizen should contribute to this initiative,” he appealed.

Shinde laid the foundation stones and inaugurated various development works in Alandi under the Special Grant Scheme for the town’s unique projects.

The event was attended by Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant, Employment Guarantee Minister Bharat Gogawale, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Dr. Neelam Gorhe, MLA Babaji Kale, Alandi Municipal Council CEO Madhav Khandekar, and Chief Trustee of Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan Yogi Niranjannath, among others.

Speaking at the event, Shinde said, “Maharashtra is the land of saints and valiant warriors. The government has taken several decisions in the interest of the Warkari community, including the construction of Warkari Bhavan, providing grants for dindis (pilgrimage groups), and implementing the Warkari Insurance Scheme. As temples are centers of cultural values, the grant for ‘B-class’ pilgrimage sites has been increased from ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore.”

He informed that ₹1 crore has been sanctioned through the Urban Development Department for road repairs before the upcoming Kartiki Wari pilgrimage. The government, he said, “firmly stands behind the Warkaris and respects religion, customs, and traditions, upholding the values of the Bhagwat Dharma.”

Shinde further added that a proposal for establishing a ‘Dnyanpeeth’ (Knowledge Center) in Alandi has been sent to the Central Government for approval and is being actively pursued. Maharashtra, he noted, is the first state to accord the title of ‘State Mother’ to the cow. He reiterated that Maharashtra will play a crucial role as India moves toward becoming a global economic power.

He directed that the Alandi Water Supply Scheme be approved on a priority basis, the Bhaktanivas (pilgrims’ accommodation) construction be expedited, and medical check-up centers serve the Warkaris during pilgrimages.

Minister Uday Samant announced that on the occasion of the 750th birth anniversary of Saint Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, the Department of Marathi Language had allocated ₹1 crore for printing the Dnyaneshwari Parayan Granth, completed within three months. The text will be made available to devotees for ₹50 per copy to reach the maximum number of Warkaris. He also assured that the government will facilitate the relocation of the cowshed (Goshala).

During the event, foundation stones were laid for the Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan Bhaktanivas, beautification of Mahadwar Ghat, and the Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan Multispecialty Hospital. The ‘Dnyaneshwari Granth Parayan’ edition was also released, and the Health Check-up Center was inaugurated.

Deputy CM Shinde also visited the samadhi (memorial) of Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and inspected the ghat area.

The government has sanctioned ₹25 crore for the construction of the Bhaktanivas, of which ₹10 crore has been released immediately. The facility, spread across 9,813 square meters, will accommodate 325 people. Upon completion, it will be handed over to the Sansthan Committee for use and maintenance. Additionally, ₹5 crore has been approved by the Urban Development Department for beautification of the Mahadwar Ghat.

The program began with introductory remarks by Yogi Niranjannath, Chief Trustee of the Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan. Temple trustees, local residents, and a large number of Warkari devotees were present at the ceremony.