Mah Govt to implement various projects at Saptashring Garh: Bhujbal

Nashik, Feb 9 (UNI) Maharashtra PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal today said the government will implement various projects for the safety of devotees before the start of forthcoming fair at Saptashring Garh, Vani in the district.

An announcement to this effect was made by Mr Bhujbal, who is also Nashik Guardian Minister, after performing an aerial survey of the Garh. He performed the survey in the wake of the landslide there last Sunday, in which three people were injured.

''While undertaking safety measures, caution will be taken not to disturb the sanctum sanctorium of the presiding deity Goddess Saptashringi at the Garh. These measures will be convenient for the devotees. The projects will be discussed with IITS, Konkan Railway and geologists,'' Mr Bhujbal said.

''Discussions will be held with Shridi, Siddhi Vinayak Trust chairman for help to these projects,'' he said.

He also said the government will provide funds for these projects from the Chief Minister's Fund.

On the occasion, the Minister discussed various safety measures with Saptashring Garh Trust chairman Justice Saindhar, PWD Superintending Engineer Ulhas Debadwar and Kalwan SDO Jitendra Kakuste.

He gave instructions for early completion of laying of iron nets over the roof above the steps, the pandal and the santum sanctorium at the shrine. He also gave instructions to the public works department officials to immediately undertake the road widening work at 'U' turns and line covers on the road to the shrine.

He also told the Turst chairman to send suggestions regarding other safety projects to be implemented at the Garh.

Mr Bhujbal also asked the Maharashtra Engineering Research Institute (MERI) to undertake study the effects of the earth vibrations that were felt at Dalwat, about 15 km from the Garh. He also asked them to study whethere there is any threat of earthquake to the Garh and if it happens in future, what will be its effect on it. He also told to study whethere there was any relation between the earthquake and the landslide at the Garh.

The Minister instructed the officials to immediately complete various works such as creating large grounds, construction of concrete roads, solar blinkers on the roads, widening of gutters and provision of medical facilities to devotees during the fair.

Meanwhile, the shrine will be opened for devotees from tomorrow as the work of removing the fallen debris has been completed. As a precaution, devotees will have to wear helmets during their visit to the temple. The helmets will be provided by the temple trust, according to sources.

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