Basar temple development masterplan put on backburner, devotees express concern

The Rs. 50 crore redevelopment plan for the Basar Saraswathi temple has stalled, over a year into the Congress government’s tenure. Despite funding and foundation-laying in 2023, no work has begun, drawing criticism from devotees and raising accountability questions

Nirmal: The ambitious masterplan to develop the historic Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam at Basar has been put on the backburner, causing disappointment among devotees.

The then BRS government had drawn up a Rs. 50 crore development plan in 2018 for the temple. However, more than a year into the new government’s tenure, no tangible progress has been made, sparking concern over the delay in execution.

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Recognised as the only shrine in southern India dedicated to the Goddess of learning, the temple draws nearly 15 lakh devotees annually and generates an income of Rs. 18 crore per year. Pilgrims visit from across Telangana as well as neighbouring Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao approved the funding in February 2018 following a request from then Endowments and Housing Minister Allola Indrakaran Reddy during a visit to Adilabad district. Accordingly, Rs. 50 crore was allocated in the 2018–19 budget. Of this, Rs. 8.20 crore was released in 2021 and another Rs. 41.80 crore in 2022.

Foundation stone for the redevelopment was laid by Indrakaran Reddy and former Mudhole MLA G. Vittal Reddy on March 24, 2023. The masterplan was reviewed and approved by Shringeri Mutt pontiff Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswami and his successor Vidhushekhar Bharathi Teertha Swami.

As per the plan, officials had proposed the expansion of the main temple, construction of a queue complex in place of the holy pond (which would be demolished), and the dismantling of certain older structures. A new upper-level queue line was to be built to accommodate future footfall. The plan also included provisions for accommodation facilities and improved basic amenities.

Officials said the project would be implemented in two phases. The first phase would address the immediate infrastructural needs of the shrine, while the second would include construction of a prasadam preparation hall, a venue for celestial weddings, an administrative office, staff quarters, and drinking water facilities.

Despite these comprehensive plans, there has been little movement on the ground, leading devotees to question the Congress government’s commitment to the development of the revered shrine.