Temple annually attracts 3 crore devotees, including a large number of Goans
Deputy Commissioner of Belagavi Mohammed Roshan interacts with media persons.
Photo Credits: Louis Rodrigues
BELAGAVI
The district administration will be developing the famous Savadatti Renuka Yellamma Temple in Belagavi district considering a rising number of devotees, which include a large number of Goans from different walks of life.
The development is being taken up by the Savadatti Renuka Yellamma Temple Development Authority Chairman and Deputy Commissioner of Belagavi Mohammed Roshan, who provided details at a special interactive session organised by the Belagavi Journalists (Print) Association.
Roshan also gave information about various key developmental issues concerning the district, including the development of the Saundatti Renuka Yellamma Temple, Ring Road construction, and rehabilitation of forest dwellers from Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and completion of the Halga-Macche bypass on the Belagavi-Goa NH 748.
“Along with the people of Karnataka, this temple is very popular among devotees of Goa and Maharashtra. About 3 crore devotees visit the temple every year. However, there is no proper infrastructure due to which devotees are facing huge inconvenience,” said Roshan.
“With a rising number of tourists, efforts also being taken up to see that no stampede takes place during the annual jatra in February. Moreover, devotees suffer due to heavy traffic congestion, hygiene, and cleanliness,” DC Roshan said.
He informed that the development is being done at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore, wherein Rs 120 crore has been sanctioned by the Centre and the Karnataka government would contribute Rs 30 crore.
“The 1,090-acre land on the hill surrounding the temple will be utilised to provide the basic amenities like the Tirupati and other pilgrimage centres. A ‘Q’ complex has been planned where the temple complex will be developed on monumental and archaeological grounds,” DC Mohammed said.
A rope-way project connecting another pilgrimage Centre Jugulbhavi is also being implemented, he added.
Along with an administrative block, security arrangements, traffic management, clearance of encroachments to avoid overcrowding on the approach road, and a foolproof security system are some of the features being taken up for the development of the temple complex.
A free community kitchen, separate sections for elders and disabled devotees, separate parking facilities for vehicles and bullock carts, fodder facility for the bullocks, and toilets and bathrooms for men and women are some of the facilities that would be made available for devotees.
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Safari planned in Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
BELAGAVI: In a bid to promote eco-tourism while ensuring minimal environmental impact, the Karnataka government has proposed a wildlife safari in the buffer zone of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) bordering Karnataka and Goa.
“The proposed safari will be strictly confined to the sanctuary’s buffer zone, avoiding the ecologically sensitive core forest area. A small, designated stretch with an existing road will be used for the safari,” said Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan.
“To minimise pollution, only electric vehicles will operate, ensuring zero emissions. The project aims to educate visitors, particularly the youth, about wildlife and forest ecosystems through first-hand experience,” he said.
