State Govt yet to grant tourism status to Tekdi Ganesh Mandir

 

 

 

A curious revelation has come to light as to the presiding deity of the city, the Tekdi Ganesh, with Maharashtra Government clarifying that the temple has not been granted tourism status, as yet. For last ten years, Bhushan Dadwe, a social activist, has been demanding ‘A’ category tourism status for Tekdi Ganesh Mandir so that proper arrangement can be made for the devotees visiting the temple.

Recently, Tourism Department sanctioned a sum of Rs five crore for renovation work at the temple complex considering its ancient status. A sum of Rs one crore also was released and deposited with District Collector for undertaking the necessary works. Out of curiosity, Dadwe sought information from the Tourism Department as to tourism status to which he got a reply from the State Government in negative. Citizens were overjoyed when the issue of sanction of Rs five crore for the temple was taken up in the meeting of State cabinet, recently. And it was expected that the ancient temple would be considered for declaration as a tourism site by the Government.

A official deceleration of tourism site enables release of substantial funds that can ensure creation of necessary facilities for devotees visiting the abode of Lord Ganesh on Sitabuldi Tekdi. During the Chaturthi, the temple is thronged by a large number of devotees. In past, the Temple Management Committee carried out renovation of the temple complex giving it a new look. The changes in temple building enable smooth entry and exit for the devotees and even additional space was created for comfort of the visitors. However, the issue of parking space needs to be addressed on an urgent basis. In the year 2013, Dadwe had taken up the issue of granting tourism statue to the Tekdi Ganesh Mandir with Central Minister and State Government. He also raised the demand with the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Recently, during a public function at Golibar Square, Fadnavis, who is Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, had announced that Tekdi Ganesh Mandir has been granted tourism status. But the revelation under the RTI clears the air on the matter.