Renuka-Yallamma temple to be developed on the lines of TTD: HKP

Belagavi: Tourism, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil informed that the Renuka-Yallamma temple at Yallammangudda in Savadatti will be developed on the lines of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) at Tirupati. Master plan for the comprehensive development of the pilgrimage centre was being finalised to provide pilgrims all the necessary basic infrastructure during their visit to the temple hillock.

Patil conducted a review meeting of the developmental works in progress at the temple spot, facilities still required and the master plan being prepared for its comprehensive development at the Deputy Commissioners office here on Wednesday.

He told reporters that pilgrims coming to the Renuka-Yallamma temple hillock require many facilities and infrastructure, which include everything from accommodation to sanitation facilities. The master plan being prepared addresses many of the concerns of the pilgrims and will be displayed on the temple website. People will also be allowed to give their suggestions regarding the requirements needed and measures to overcome them.

During the review meeting with the District Administration and Tourism Department officials, the officials discussed the problems around proper accommodation and the issue of open defecation.

As a solution, trenches will be dug to address the issues of sanitation and they will be kept covered. A dormitory, open kitchen, resting place and semi-luxury rooms will also come up for the pilgrims, he said.

Patil said, more than 10 lakh devotees were expected to visit the Renuka-Yallamma temple on the occasion of ‘Bharat Hunnime’ on February 12. The area's district administration had so far been providing the bare minimum facilities during the fair, but this time it has provided more facilities for the pilgrims and taken care that pilgrims do not have face any inconveniences. More toilets have been provided and LED screens are being installed to ensure that pilgrims can view the deity even when they are not in front of the altar room.

Earlier many of the hurdles, which also included legal issues, were faced regarding the development of the temple. However, officials and members of Renuka-Yallamma Tourism Development Authority have overcome them. A hall has come up to serve food to the pilgrims and a fodder centre for livestock is also being constructed, he stated.

The Tourism Department has been making efforts for the development of other tourist places in the district too. A survey has been conducted for a rope way at Gokak Falls and the project report is being prepared.

The Forest Department has launched an 18 km-long jungle safari at the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary to encourage nature tourism, he informed.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, Superintendent of Police Dr Bheemashankar Guled, Tourism Department Joint Director Soumya Bapat and Renuka-Yallamma Tourism Development Authority Commissioner Geeta Koulagi were present at the meeting.