Following the state’s initiative, the central government has allocated a grant of ₹11 crore for the enhancement of infrastructure within the premises of the Renuka Yellamma Temple in Savadatti.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the commencement of development works on Thursday, accompanied by Belagavi MP Mangala Angadi and local MLA Vishwas Vaidya. The funds were allocated to the temple as part of the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme.
The Renuka Yellamma Temple in Savadatti is among the four temples in Karnataka to receive financial assistance from the central government. The other three temples include the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru, Sri Madhwa Vana in Kunjaragiri, Udupi district, and Papnash Temple in Bidar district.
According to sources within the tourism department, the infrastructure enhancements will encompass the construction of a compound wall, a waiting lounge, a pilgrimage information center, a first-aid facility for both humans and cattle, a canteen, installation of CCTV cameras, lockers, dustbins, benches, and a shoe stand, among other amenities.
The central funds will primarily be utilized for establishing basic infrastructure within the temple premises.
During the legislative session held in December at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS), the state government passed a bill to establish the Renuka Yellamma Kshetra Tourism Development Board, aiming to elevate the temple to international tourism standards.
Furthermore, Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed the temple management committee to allocate 50% of the temple’s revenue for development works and the remaining 50% for maintenance. The temple generates approximately ₹20 crore in revenue through donations annually.