Pandharpur, Aug 2026 : State Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal today inspected the Chandrabhaga River ghat and the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple area during his visit to Pandharpur. District Collector S. Karthikeyan welcomed him on behalf of the administration.
Inspection of Chandrabhaga Ghat Area
Chief Secretary Agrawal first inspected the Chandrabhaga Ghat area. District Collector S. Karthikeyan briefed him about cleanliness of the riverbed, bathing facilities for devotees, lighting arrangements and various development works underway at the ghat. He gave instructions on measures to enhance infrastructure facilities in view of the large number of devotees attending the Ashadhi-Kartiki Wari. He was also informed that during this year’s Ashadhi Wari, cleanliness was given the highest priority and facilities were provided in a manner that ensured devotees and Warkaris faced no inconvenience from the administration.
Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple Area and Proposed Corridor
Thereafter, Agrawal inspected the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple area. He also reviewed the temple development and beautification works undertaken under the pilgrimage development plan with a fund of Rs 73 crore. District Collector S. Karthikeyan briefed him about the proposed Shri Kshetra Pandharpur Corridor project. The project includes an easy darshan route for devotees within the temple area, a spacious circumambulation route and modern facilities, as well as a pilgrim accommodation facility, multi-level parking, a prasadalaya, an information centre, a medical assistance room and special routes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Detailed information was also provided on security and planning measures, including separate entry and exit routes for crowd management, CCTV surveillance and fire-fighting systems. District Superintendent of Police Atul Kulkarni also briefed him about the AI technology used by the police administration for crowd control and traffic regulation along the palkhi route and in Pandharpur city and surrounding areas during the Ashadhi pilgrimage period.
Detailed discussions were held on the proposed development works, facilities for devotees and integrated planning of the area. The Chief Secretary instructed the concerned officials regarding the necessary funds and coordination required to complete the project at the earliest.
Darshan of Vitthal-Rukmini
Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, along with his wife, offered darshan of Shri Vitthal-Rukmini and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of farmers and devotees across the state. On behalf of the temple committee, District Collector S. Karthikeyan felicitated Chief Secretary Agrawal.
Municipal Chairperson Pranita Bhalke, Chief Executive Officer Kushal Jain, Superintendent of Police Atul Kulkarni, Additional District Collector Ganesh Nirhali, Sub-Divisional Officer Sachin Ithape, Tehsildar Sachin Langunte, Chief Officer Mahesh Rokade, Temple Committee Manager Praveen Gham and officials from various departments were present on the occasion.
