Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The state government has released Rs 21 crore for the development plan of Shri Kshetra Grishneshwar in Khultabad tehsil of the district. The first phase of the project, estimated at Rs 156 crore, has already been approved, and most of the works are nearing completion. The government has directed officials to expedite and complete the remaining works by the end of September 2026.
The Grishneshwar temple at Ellora is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and attracts lakhs of devotees every year. Considering its importance, the government has been allocating funds in phases over the past eight years for the area’s development. Initially, Rs 30 crore was sanctioned for the first phase.
To accelerate the work under the development plan, the Chief Minister has appointed additional chief secretary B. Venugopal Reddy to oversee the project. He has conducted site inspections twice so far. Meanwhile, the estimated cost of the bypass road around the caves and temple area has increased from Rs 27 crore to Rs 43 crore.
Complete bypass road within six months
Under the plan, works such as devotees’ accommodation, darshan queue system, shopping complex, function hall, and ghats are being undertaken. The Chief Minister has directed that the bypass road be completed within the next six months.
New works are also planned in the temple premises and surrounding areas under the state archaeology department. For this, an additional fund of Rs 53 crore has been sought from the government.