Prayers not offered to idol at Budangiri: DC

Speaking to Deccan Herald, DC said that he had visited the hill along with the Minister but since a video conferencing was scheduled with CM on the same day he had returned from the hill within 5 minutes. He said that hence he had no idea about the prayer offered to the idol.

“Offering bhumi puja while starting any work is our culture. Finding new meaning to this particular bhumi puja is incorrect. No activity has been held violating law in Datta guhe,” he said and added that Minister as well as others were not allowed to proceed from Dattapeeth main entrance and a letter has been written to the government clarifying the same.

He clarified that no court has so far asked for any clarification with regard to the bhumi puja ceremony held at Dattapeeth. With regard to the proposed food park, he said that 78 acre of land at Ambale has been taken on lease for 30 years. The document has been sent to the centre.

DC informed that district administration had asked for Rs 62 crore for rain damage compensation, of which Rs 8 crore has been received. This amount has already been spent for taking up necessary work. A funds have been received from the centre so far.