Maharashtra Govt To Launch Comprehensive Plan to Preserve 1,800 Stepwells, 60 Forts, and 500 Temples

The Maharashtra government will soon implement a detailed plan to preserve 1,800 stepwells, 60 state-protected forts, and 500 temples across the state. The decision was made by state cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar on Thursday, October 16. The archaeology department will act as the nodal agency, while the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) will assist in planning and coordination.

Shelar has directed the cultural affairs department to prepare a strategy focused on protection, restoration, and tourism development of these heritage sites. The plan will also include 350 unprotected forts and all state-protected monuments. 

The government will also appoint experts in history, architecture, archaeology, conservation, and administration. A Project Implementation Unit will also be set up by December 15 to monitor progress.

As per reports, the government is open to exploring a public-private partnership model for the conservation project. A policy for private participation will be created if needed. The state will also allocate sufficient funds to support the restoration work.

These include: 

- Shri Renuka Mata Shakti Peeth Mandir in Nanded - INR 829 crore

- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Nashik - INR 275 crore

- Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur - INR 1,445 crore

- Shri Tuljabhavani Temple in Dharashiv - INR 1,865 crore

- Shree Jyotiba Devasthan in Kolhapur - INR 259 crore

This initiative comes alongside the state’s ongoing INR 5,000-crore project for developing and restoring seven major religious sites. 

The plan also covers the renovation of seven Ashtavinayak temples such as the Vighneshwar Ozar Temple (Ozar), Mayureshwar Temple (Morgaon), Ballaleshwar Temple (Pali), Varad Vinayak Temple (Mahad), Chintamani Temple (Theur), and Mahaganapati Temple (Ranjangaon).