Pune: Deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar on Sunday said that the proposed site for the Bhimashankar Heritage Wadi project will transform the region. She described it as an “initiative designed to foster the sustainable development of Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar region from religious, cultural and tourism perspectives.”The deputy CM avoided any comment on the possibility of her being allocated the finance ministry and NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar’s hunger strike on farmers’ loan waiver. “Let us talk about development of the area and no political issues,” she told reporters.Sunetra reviewed the plans for the facilities proposed for devotees. Directives were given to ensure project implementation while balancing development with environmental conservation. “The project will help improve the standard of living for villagers, providing amenities for pilgrims and boosting tourism development,” she said.As per the district officials, the project plans include a settlement spread across 10.5 acres. About 150 local households currently near the temple will be shifted here.The state administration aims to complete the phases ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik. Devotees are expected to visit Bhimashankar during the event.
