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Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Devotees must know Mahalaxmi idol's condition: Kolhapur activists
Kolhapur: Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti (PMDS) has invited experts from the Archaeological Survey of India to carry out a 'routine check-up and conservation process' of the Mahalaxmi idol at Mahalaxmi temple on Monday and Tuesday. This has led Kolhapur-based activists and devotees to question the need for the idol's frequent conservation. During the Monday and Tuesday's check-up, devotees will not get darshan of the original idol. Instead, an 'utsav murti' will be placed outside the temple for the devotees. Dilip Desai, a Kolhapur-based activist, said, "In April last year, the temple was shut for two days for the conservation. For what purpose is the conservation process carried out every six months? We have repeatedly asked the administration to tell us what the condition of the idol is." The authorities maintain the idol is in very good condition and that ASI experts were called for a routine check-up. "We write to ASI asking for experts to check the condition of the idols. They will check the condition of the idol and clean it using scientific methods. Thereafter, if they think that conservation work needs to be carried out on a particular portion, then the next day they will carry it out," said Shivraj Naikwade, secretary of PMDS. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stylish New Mobility Scooters Available for Seniors (Prices May Surprise You) Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Search Now Undo Naikwade further stated that to ensure the idol does not erode, the abhishek was stopped. "The epoxy coating on the idol added weight it. The idol, made of black stone, does not adopt to any foreign material. Cleaning by brush is also not possible; therefore, the cleaning needs to be carried out in the presence of experts," said the secretary. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Activists oppose KMT bus services to fringe villages over taxpayer losses and merger proposal
Kolhapur: The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation 's (KMC) proposal to incorporate 18 fringe villages and two MIDCs has sparked a debate with activists from the pro-merger action committee voicing their concerns to additional municipal commissioner Rahul Rokade on Monday. During a meeting held at the standing committee hall, the activists argued that the Kolhapur Municipal Transport (KMT) bus service to these peripheral villages should be stopped immediately. They contended that the KMT, funded by taxes paid by Kolhapur residents, incurs losses exceeding Rs20 crore annually. The activists asserted that the KMC's priority should be to provide amenities to its tax-paying citizens rather than subsidizing transportation for those residing outside the city limits. Pro-merger activist Dilip Desai said, "We, the city dwellers, pay taxes, yet facilities are being extended to rural populations. We pay water tariffs, while individuals in the surrounding villages benefit from unauthorized water connections. The financial losses incurred by the KMC on these rural bus routes should be made transparent to the public." Speaking on this, KMC deputy commissioner Sanjay Sarnaik said, "As per RTO rule, KMT buses are running in the 20km radius. Out of the 61 routes of KMT buses, 21 are plying on the rural routes." However, Rokade said, "A meeting with civic administrator and pro-merger activists will be organised by the end of this week."
