Provide Top-Quality Services and Facilities for Devotees: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Presentation Meeting on the Development of Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar, Shri Kshetra Aundha Nagnath and Shri Kshetra Grishneshwar Jyotirlingas

Mumbai, Nov 2025 : Considering that large numbers of devotees visit the state’s Jyotirlinga temples throughout the year, a comprehensive development plan must be prepared for Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar, Shri Kshetra Aundha Nagnath and Shri Kshetra Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. Ongoing works in the temple premises should be expedited and proposed works must be carefully planned. To prioritise the safety of devotees, an advanced integrated security system should be implemented, and high-quality services and facilities must be created. These directives were issued by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

A meeting was held at Varsha residence regarding the development presentation of Bhimashankar in Pune district, Aundha Nagnath in Hingoli district, and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the meeting, which was attended by Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary (General Administration) V. Radha, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) O.P. Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development) Asimkumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Higher and Technical Education) Venu Gopal Reddy, and Additional Chief Secretary (General Administration) Rajesh Agrawal.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that planning of darshan queues should be done keeping in mind the present and future number of devotees visiting Jyotirlinga shrines. During festival seasons and pilgrimage periods, facilities such as waiting halls, drinking water, accommodation, internal roads, cleanliness, information boards, tourist reception centres, parking systems, emergency mechanisms, ticket counters, health facilities and eateries must be prioritised. Initiatives to promote tourism should also be implemented in these areas. He instructed that ongoing works should be completed in consultation with local citizens and the administration.

The Chief Minister further said that strict security arrangements must be ensured at Jyotirlinga sites. An integrated security system powered by advanced technology and artificial intelligence should be developed so that timely help can be provided during emergencies. Temple management should follow strict regulations. For environmental conservation and employment generation, the tourism department should expedite the proposed works. After approval from the high-level committee, the proposed plans will receive funding. He also instructed that a separate meeting with Central Government officials should be held to obtain necessary clearances from the Archaeology Department.

Officials appointed for the effective and immediate implementation of the Jyotirlinga development plans presented their proposals during the meeting. ACS V. Radha presented the development plans for Bhimashankar Tirthkshetra and the Bhimashankar plan related to the 2027 Kumbh Mela. Principal Secretary (Finance) Richa Bagla presented the plan for Aundha Nagnath, while ACS Venu Gopal Reddy presented the development plan for Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary (Planning) Saurabh Vijay, Principal Secretary (Rural Development) Eknath Davale, Principal Secretary (Urban Development) Dr. K.H. Govindraj, Principal Secretary (Law and Justice) Suvarna Kevale, Principal Secretary (Finance) Richa Bagla, Principal Secretary (CMO) Ashwini Bhide, Secretary Dr. Srikar Pardeshi, Secretary (Tourism) Sanjay Khandare, Secretary (Information Technology) Virendra Singh, Secretary (PWD) Abasaheb Nagargoje, Secretary (OBC Welfare) Appasaheb Dhulaj, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and others. Nashik Divisional Commissioner Pravin Gedam, Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkandwar, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Divisional Commissioner Jitendra Papalkar attended via video conferencing.