Maha CM performs ‘bhumi poojan’ of 1st phase of Jejuri Fort development

Pune, August 8 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday laid the foundation stone for development of the first phase of the Jejuri Fort, near here. 

CM Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar also performed ‘puja’ and took blessings of Shri Malhari Martanda amidst chants of ‘Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar’, ‘Sadanandacha Yelkot’., On this occasion, District Guardian Minister Chandrakantdada Patil, MLA Rahul Kul, former minister Harshvardhan Patil, former minister of state Vijay Shivtare and trustee of Jejuri Dev Sansthan Poptrao Khomane, advocates Pandurang Thorve, Viswas Panse, Anil Saundde, Mangesh Ghone, Rajendra Khedekar, Abhijit Devkate were present. 

On behalf of Shri Martand Dev Sansthan and the villagers, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers were felicitated by presenting a Shindeshahi turban, blanket and stick., The state government has already approved the Shree Kshetra Jejuri Gad Pilgrimage Development Plan at a total cost of Rs 349 crore. 

This plan will be implemented in three phases, the Chief Minister said., In the first phase, conservation works of Jejuri Fort will be done at cost of Rs 109 crore, he said. 

Under this, the main temple, other small temples, overpasses and fortifications of the fort will be preserved and repaired, he informed., Along with this, Lavathaleshwar, Malhar Gautameshwar and Ballaleshwar temples in Jejuri city, rejuvenation of ancient water management Holkar and Peshwa Lake, Janani Tirtha and other tanks will be done under this, Shinde said., Apart from this, about Rs 109 crore will be spent on infrastructure, area management and tourist facilities, beautification in the first phase, he added.