Include Alandi, the sacred town of Sant Dnyaneshwar, in the ‘Temple Town Development Plan’ !

Strong demand raised in the Rajya Sabha by BJP MP Prof Dr (Mrs) Medha Kulkarni

Mumbai – BJP MP Medha Kulkarni strongly demanded in the Rajya Sabha that the sacred town of Alandi, associated with Sant Dnyaneshwar and revered by the Varkari Sampradaya, be included in the Union Government’s ‘Temple Town Development Plan’. The Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sanjeevan Samadhi Temple is located in Alandi. Through a ‘special mention’ in the Rajya Sabha, she stated that if Alandi receives the benefit of the Union Government’s upcoming policy opportunity, this pilgrimage centre would undergo transformation and devotees would receive world-class facilities.

Important points raised in Parliament

Need to reduce pressure on infrastructure

Alandi is one of the most revered pilgrimage centres in the country. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit during the Ashadhi and Kartiki Wari pilgrimages. Due to this massive influx, local civic amenities, sanitation, transport and environmental resources come under severe strain. Planned development is therefore necessary to reduce this pressure.

Challenge of unplanned urbanisation

Despite its national spiritual importance, Alandi still faces the challenges of unplanned urbanisation and inadequate infrastructure. The emphasis placed in the Union Budget on the development of Tier-2 cities and temple towns presents an ideal opportunity to address these issues. (Tier-2 cities in India are rapidly developing urban centres with a population generally between 1 lakh and 5 lakh, ranking just below metropolitan cities.)

Pollution and revival of the Indrayani River

Alandi’s identity is inseparably linked with the sacred Indrayani River. At present, preventing pollution of the river and restoring it has become extremely necessary. If Alandi receives the status of a ‘Temple Town’, integrated planning for riverfront development and flood control will become possible.

Benefits of receiving ‘Temple Town’ status

1. Facilities for devotees: Modern projects for clean water supply, sewage treatment and solid waste management.
2. Transport improvements: Well-equipped parking facilities, better road connectivity and strengthening of public transport.
3. Heritage preservation: Conservation of Alandi’s spiritual and historical heritage, along with the development of modern infrastructure.
4. Improved quality of life: Health and living standards of residents will improve.