“Multiple amenities at Vitthal Rukmini Mandir in Dhapewada, including water treatment plant, river deepening and widening project, will propel Dhapewada towards its overall development as ‘Mini Pandharpur’,” said Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Highways and Road Transport while speaking at the ‘Bhoomipujan’ ceremony of various developmental works worth Rs 164.61 crore at Dhapewada under ‘Shri Vitthal Mandir Devsthan Development Plan’ on Sunday. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Revenue Minister and Guardian Minister of the district; Adv Ashish Jaiswal, Minister of State; Shyamkumar Barwe, Member of Parliament; Abhijeet Wanjari, MLC; Dr Ashish Deshmukh, Charansingh Thakur, Sanjay Meshram, all MLAs; Dr Vipin Itankar, District Collector; and Sanjay Meena, Commissioner, Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority, were prominently present.

 

The development plan includes construction of water treatment plant; developing various amenities in the temple premises; widening and deepening of the Chandrabhaga river near the temple among others. Nitin Gadkari, in his address, appealed everyone to come together for the development of Dhapewada village. He said, “ A waiting hall, prayer room, modern parking facility, and new administrative building will be built under the development plan of Dhapewada. The river deepening and widening project will give water for agriculture and drinking purpose. Underground drainage will also be constructed. This will improve the quality of life of the locals.” He also announced to complete the construction of road connecting Karanja to Pandhurna as per the demand of the villagers. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, in his address, assured the complete support of the State Government in development of Dhapewada.

 

He said, “ The development of pilgrimage places has been expedited under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. State Government approved the development plan of Dhapewada on grounds of Pandharpur last year. Work of high quality will be completed under this development plan.” He also requested the Union Minister to construct a modern charity hospital at Dhapewada and an ‘Orange’ corridor connecting Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, could not be present due to upcoming Budget Session, but assured that the Government will not let shortage of funds for the developmental works at Dhapewada, through his message that was read at the programme. Dinesh Nandanwar, Chief Engineer, Nagpur division of Public Works Department (PwD) made the introductory remarks.