Pune: A proposal has been submitted to transfer the strategically located land of the Faraskhana-Vishrambaug Police Station to the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust for the expansion of the famous Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple in Pune.
The Pune Police have given an in-principle ‘No Objection’ to the proposed transfer. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has reportedly submitted the proposal to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department for further consideration.
However, the police station will not be shifted immediately. The existing premises will be handed over to the Dagdusheth Ganpati Trust only after a new, modern police station building is constructed at a designated location in Budhwar Peth.
Why is the Land Being Considered for Temple Expansion?
The Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is one of Pune’s most prominent religious landmarks and attracts devotees throughout the year.
The number of devotees increases significantly during Sankashti Chaturthi and Angarki Chaturthi, resulting in heavy crowds around the temple premises.
Considering the growing footfall and the need for additional facilities for devotees, a proposal has been put forward to make the strategically located Faraskhana-Vishrambaug Police Station premises available to the trust for temple expansion.
Faraskhana Police Station to Get a New Building
The Faraskhana-Vishrambaug Police Station is currently located on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road.
The building also houses several important offices of the Pune Police, including the Western Division headquarters, Additional Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police of Zone 1, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic Department and the Faraskhana-Vishrambaug Police Station.
The existing police building was constructed in 1976-77.
Under the proposal, a new modern police building will first be constructed at a designated location in Budhwar Peth. Only after the new facility is completed will the police department shift its operations and the existing premises be considered for transfer to the Ganpati Trust.
The proposed new location is approximately 300 metres from the existing Faraskhana Police Station.
New Location Can Accommodate Around 28,621 Sq. Ft. of Construction
The proposed site in Budhwar Peth comprises municipal land bearing City Survey Nos. 1112 and 1113.
The land measures approximately 759.20 square metres. With an FSI of 3.5, the site can accommodate around 28,621 square feet of construction.
In comparison, the existing Faraskhana Police Station premises cover approximately 873.70 square metres, while the existing building has a construction area of around 22,000 square feet.
Key Points Mentioned in the Proposal
The proposal submitted to the Home Department includes several important conditions:
• The municipal land at City Survey Nos. 1112 and 1113 in Budhwar Peth should first be transferred in the name of the police department.
• A new modern building should be constructed at the site for the Faraskhana-Vishrambaug Police Station.
• The cost of constructing the new police building may be borne by the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Public Trust or the Home Department.
• The Dagdusheth Halwai Trust should pay the government the value of the Budhwar Peth land, as proposed.
• The Faraskhana-Vishrambaug Police Station should be shifted only after construction of the new building is completed.
• After the relocation, the existing Faraskhana Police Station premises can be transferred to the Ganpati Trust for temple expansion.
Final Decision Rests With the Government
Although the Pune Police have given an in-principle No Objection to the proposed transfer, the process is not final yet.
The proposal has been submitted to the Home Department, and the state government’s decision will determine whether the land transfer and relocation plan moves forward.
The construction of the new police building, funding arrangements and transfer of the land will need to be finalized before the existing Faraskhana Police Station premises can be handed over to the Ganpati Trust.
What Could This Mean for Pune?
If approved, the proposal could provide additional space for the expansion of the Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple and potentially improve facilities for the large number of devotees visiting the temple.
At the same time, the proposed new police building in Budhwar Peth is expected to provide the police department with a modern and more spacious facility.
However, the proposal is still under consideration, and the final decision from the state government is awaited.
