Mumbai: Ahead of the state assembly elections, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is set to inaugurate and perform bhoomi pujan for several projects worth over a thousand crores on October 10. (Thursday). These projects include enhancements to the surroundings of the Mahalaxmi and Mumbadevi temple precincts, a major facelift to the iconic Haji Ali Dargah, the revamp of Fashion Street, a food truck area at Budhwar Park, and beautification efforts in various locations.
The main event is set to take place at the proposed Marathi Language Bhavan located on Churni Marg. The event will be attended by state Legislative Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Guardian Minister for the city Deepak Kesarkar, Guardian Minister for the suburbs Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, as well as other political representatives and civic officials.
With the model code of conduct for the assembly elections expected to be announced soon, the state government has expedited the groundbreaking ceremony. The list includes the improvement of Mumbadevi temple precinct using natural materials, such as stones and basalt. The project will feature designated spaces for rituals, including mundan ceremonies and havans, as well as enhanced areas for better crowd management.
"The detailed project report for the initiative is ready, and a tender will soon be invited for the work, with an estimated cost of Rs. 150 crores," said a civic so.