Bhoomipujan and Inauguration of Development Works in Maval Taluka Scheduled for Early September – DCM Ajit Pawar

Mumbai – Significant funds have been allocated for various development projects in Maval Taluka, Pune District. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar instructed that the development works funded should be accelerated and completed by the end of August. Additionally, the tender process for new development projects should be completed promptly. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar directed government agencies to prepare for the inauguration of completed works and the Bhoomipujan (groundbreaking ceremony) of tendered projects in early September.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawar reviewed the development works in Maval Assembly Constituency in a meeting at his office. Present were Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Sanjay Bansode, MLA Sunil Shelke, Additional Chief Secretaries OP Gupta, Milind Mhaiskar, Vinita Ved Singhal, Finance Department Secretary Shaila A., Public Works Department Secretary Sadashiv Salunkhe, Sports Commissioner Rajesh Deshmukh, and others. Pune Division Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Pune Collector Suhas Diwase, and Pune Metropolitan Commissioner Yogesh Mhse participated via video conference.

Pawar highlighted that around 45 lakh devotees visit the Ekvira Devi Temple in Karla annually. To enhance facilities for these devotees, restoration works at the temple are underway. Technical approval has been received for constructing a funicular railway at the Shree Ekvira Devi Temple in Vehergaon, which will enable a five-minute commute to the temple. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring safety during the project’s fast-paced construction and suggested requesting the infrastructure committee to expedite the project.

Pawar also directed the speeding up of work on the memorial of Shri Sant Santaji Jagannade Maharaj, designated as a state-protected monument. A plan of Rs. 66.11 crore has been approved for this development, which includes repairs, construction of ghats, tourist accommodation, a compound wall, and a museum. The Chief Minister instructed that administrative approvals be obtained swiftly, and the remaining construction at sub-district hospitals in Lonavla and Vadgaon (Maval) should be completed immediately.

To promote tourism near Lonavala, a development plan has been prepared for Kurwande, which includes a glass skywalk, valley bridge, adventure games, light and sound shows, and road widening. This initiative, the first of its kind in the state, will prioritize tourist safety. Guidance will be sought from the Department of Structural Dynamics at IIT Roorkee and Delhi. The Chief Minister suggested that water supply and road works be managed by the government, with other infrastructure developed on a PPP basis.

An area of 2 hectares has been approved at Mauje Jambhul for the construction of a Taluka Sports Complex in Maval, featuring a 400-meter track, football ground, playground, stadium building, and other facilities. Work should begin with the sanctioned funds, and additional funding proposals should be submitted as needed. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar assured that funds would be allocated accordingly.

Pawar reviewed the progress of 43 km of road construction, the Vadgaon administrative building, bridges over the Indrayani and Pavana rivers, and a railway flyover at Kanhe under the Asian Development Bank. He instructed the Public Works Department to complete these projects within the designated timelines.

Discussions were also held regarding the recruitment of workers at Lokmanya Hospital in Nigdi and the settlement of their previous arrears. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar instructed that a decision be made following the court’s order, as the National Labor Union has taken the matter to the labor court.

Regarding the Pavana Jalakumbh Dam project victims in Pune district, Deputy Chief Minister Pawar emphasized the need for fair compensation and the distribution of seven-twelve lands to eligible farmers in the first phase without encroachments.