‘Tourists Will Come to See the Village Too’: CM Fadnavis Inspects Bhimashankar Heritage Wadi Project
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Manchar, 13th June 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday inspected the site proposed for the ‘Bhimashankar Heritage Wadi’ project at the revered pilgrimage destination of Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar. The project aims to promote sustainable religious, cultural, and tourism development in the area while preserving its heritage and ecological significance.
During the visit, Fadnavis reviewed the project’s master plan, rehabilitation process, and the facilities proposed for local residents and devotees. He expressed confidence that the Heritage Wadi would transform the village into a tourist attraction in its own right, encouraging visitors not only to visit the temple but also to explore the village and experience its cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Dilip Walse-Patil, Babaji Kale, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill, senior Forest Department officials, and other government officers.
Fadnavis conducted a detailed review of various components of the project, including rehabilitation plans, local community expectations, and amenities proposed for pilgrims. Emphasising the religious and environmental importance of Bhimashankar, he directed officials to ensure a balanced approach that integrates development with conservation.
He said the Bhimashankar Heritage Wadi project would help preserve the region’s cultural heritage, improve the quality of life of local residents, provide better facilities for devotees, and boost tourism. The project, he noted, has the potential to bring about a significant transformation in the area.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the cooperation extended by villagers for the project. He said that around 150 houses would be relocated to a nearby site where a well-planned settlement would be developed. The objective is to encourage pilgrims to spend more time in the village, thereby strengthening the local economy.
Fadnavis said the new settlement has been designed with modern infrastructure and visitor-friendly facilities, including improved roads, electric vehicles for senior citizens, organised commercial establishments, and a bus terminal. These facilities are expected to enhance the pilgrimage experience and increase the number of visitors to Bhimashankar.
Providing details of the project, District Collector Jitendra Dudi said the initiative aims to facilitate planned rehabilitation of the village, create modern amenities for devotees, and improve the living standards of local residents. The proposed Heritage Wadi will be developed over approximately 10.5 acres of land located about 150 metres from the existing village. The project will blend traditional architectural styles with modern infrastructure.
More than 40 commercial units have been planned to create employment and self-employment opportunities for local residents. Dudi said the project is based on the concept of “restructuring rather than displacement,” ensuring that villagers are rehabilitated within the vicinity while preserving their social and cultural ties.
The proposed Heritage Wadi will feature a heritage entrance gate, Gram Panchayat office, community hall, public utility centre, and infrastructure for various social and cultural activities. Under the “Livelihood Upgradation” concept, the new settlement will be developed as a service hub for pilgrims and tourists, generating tourism-related employment opportunities for local residents.
Additionally, authorities plan to adopt a “Zero Friction Model” to facilitate the organised rehabilitation of nearly 100 per cent of residents currently living in the temple precincts. This is expected to improve crowd management, traffic regulation, sanitation, and the delivery of civic services in the pilgrimage town.
