Nagpur, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has decisively resolved the longstanding issue concerning the land that hosts the steps and approach road to the renowned Babulnath Temple located in Girgaon, South Mumbai.

Following the explicit directives of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has extended the lease of the aforementioned land to the Babulnath Charity Trust for an additional 30 years at a minimal annual fee of just Re 1, as stated in a release from the Minister’s office.

Minister Bawankule formally communicated this update in both houses of the state legislature today.

He emphasized, “This historic and active Shiva temple attracts millions of devotees each year, especially during the Shravan month and Mahashivratri. In light of the convenience for devotees and the Trust’s charitable efforts, the Government has delineated the commercial segment and renewed the lease for the religious-public pathway at a nominal rate of Re 1. Necessary government orders will be issued promptly.”

The temple is located on plot number 435 in the Malabar-Cumballa Hill Revenue Division.

Previously, the total area was 718.23 sq. metres, with the commercial area (excluded from renewal) being 135 sq. metres and the area designated as the approach road and stairs for devotees (covered under renewal) being 583.23 sq. metres.

The deemed renewal is retroactively effective from April 30, 1992, with the renewed lease commencing on January 1, 2012, lasting for the next 30 years at an annual rent fixed at Re 1.

In related news, Industries Minister Uday Samant, who is overseeing the urban development department during the winter session, reported to the state council that 62 percent of the total work on the Sewri-Worli elevated road has been completed. The remaining work is expected to finalize by September 30, 2026.

Upon completion, this project will facilitate quicker travel between Worli and Sewri, and will significantly reduce travel time to Atal Setu. Minister Samant was responding to a query by member Milind Narvekar regarding the expedited progress of the Sewri link road from Worli.

He further explained that the road work faced delays due to the rehabilitation of project-affected individuals near Sewri Railway Station and those impacted in the Elphinstone area.

“At least 83 families are affected by this road construction, with 3 families receiving financial compensation as per their request. The remaining families will be accommodated in flats offered by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority within the vicinity,” stated Minister Samant.