Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday held a high-level meeting for the conservation of Beed’s Kankaleshwar Temple and announced funds for its restoration, officials said.
They said that he has stressed on the importance of preserving the Kankaleshwar Temple in Beed and the Bhawani Museum and Library in Aundh, Satara, calling them priceless parts of the state’s cultural and historical heritage.
At a meeting held at the Deputy Chief Minister’s office in Mantralaya, Ajit Pawar instructed officials to ensure that all conservation work maintains high quality and follows heritage methods. He also directed that no trees should be cut during the process and that the natural environment should be protected, an official statement said.
It said that the Kankaleshwar Temple, a 12th-century Yadava-era structure, will undergo extensive restoration. The government has approved a budget of Rs 9.14 crore for the conservation.
“The work will include beautification of the surroundings, desilting of the temple pond, repair of pathways, strengthening of temple foundations, leakage prevention, and garden development,” the statement said.
It further said that for the Bhawani Museum and Library in Aundh, the state has sanctioned Rs 52.06 crore.
“The museum houses rare paintings by world-renowned artists, sculptures, rare books, and antique artefacts. The development plan includes building preservation, new construction, and modern display rooms for artworks and artefacts,” it said.
The Bhavani Museum and Library in Aundh, Satara, is an important centre of historical significance in Maharashtra. It was established by Balasaheb Pantpratinidhi, the ruler of the Aundh princely state. The museum preserves invaluable paintings, sculptures, rare books, and ancient objects. It is a special attraction for researchers, scholars, and tourists. A comprehensive development plan for the Aundh Museum has been approved, the statement said.
“This heritage is a matter of pride for Maharashtra,” Ajit Pawar said.
“There will be no shortage of funds, but the work must reflect quality, beauty, and environmental balance,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by Maharashtra Culture Minister Ashish Shelar, senior officials from the finance, planning, archaeology, and public works departments, and district officials from Beed and Pune via video conferencing, the statement said.
