70-crore plan for idol installation at Mangi-Tungi

| TNN | Dec 4, 2015, 08.48 AM IST

NASHIK: The district administration is making elaborate arrangements for the mega celebrations during the installation ceremony of the 108-ft Vrushabhdeo statue to be carved out of the Mangi-Tungi hills in Baglan taluka.

The administration has chalked out a Rs 70-crore plan, which includes construction and widening of roads and drinking water pipelines, as well as temporary arrangements for pilgrims, for the event scheduled from February 11 to 16.

Mangi-Tungi is a prominent twin-pinnacled peak with a plateau in between, located near Tahrabad, about 125km from Nashik. Mangi, 4,343ft (1,324 m) above sea level, is the western pinnacle and Tungi, 4,366ft (1,331m) high, is on the eastern pinnacle, and is connected by the plateau. Considered sacred by Digambar Jains the hills have a 108-feet high statue of Vrishabdev that has been carved out from the hills itself.


The chief minister has already promised developmental activities worth Rs 52 crore are to be announced for the programme and accordingly the district administration was asked to finalise the works that could be carried out at the pilgrimage centre.


"There are several works planned for the event. We will have a meeting on Friday with the chief minister to finalise the work, it will be done speedily. But the activities will be limited to temporary arrangements for the people and permanent arrangements like water and road for the areas," an official said.


Some major challenges that they are facing is getting a water pipeline from Haranbari dam at estimated cost of Rs 3 crore, temporary shades for parking of vehicles (Rs 14 crore), widening of several roads leading to the destination and also planning the electrical supply.There are other works that are likely to be undertaken by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation as well.


In September the administration had planned works worth Rs 275 crore that included a ropeway from the base of Mangi Tungi to the highest point, land acquisition for road widening , 2 MW solar power plant and 100-room pilgrim hostel, among other facilities.
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