Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has launched a Rs. 2.15 bn comprehensive development plan for the Renuka Yellamma temple at Yellammana Gudda in Saundatti taluk, aiming to improve infrastructure for devotees and promote the shrine as a major religious tourism destination. Shivakumar laid the foundation stone for several projects on Monday. A special authority has been constituted to streamline the temple’s development and management. The government plans to preserve the shrine’s religious significance, cultural heritage and traditions while improving facilities for the millions of devotees who visit from Karnataka and other states. It is also considering a plan to use temple gold ornaments more effectively for deity decoration and to enhance the devotee experience. The development programme includes a queue complex designed to reduce waiting times in the sun, with dedicated facilities for senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities. A large annadasoha facility, capable of accommodating around 6,000 people at a time, is also planned. Fodder arrangements for cattle brought by devotees, together with better health, sanitation and crowd-management facilities, have been prioritised. Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar said the Muzrai department had provided Rs. 970 mn to the temple development authority and urged officials to complete the projects on schedule. He also said a proposal had been submitted for a temple tourism corridor linking prominent religious centres in Belagavi district, including Saundatti Yellamma, Chinchali Mayakka, Kokatnur Yellamma and Sulaibhavi Mahalakshmi temples. The corridor is intended to promote religious tourism and support local economic activity. The government has also allocated Rs. 450 mn for Saundatti town’s development and provided a 100-bed hospital. Shivakumar highlighted welfare programmes for farmers, women and youth, including five guarantee schemes, while referring to proposed support for poor farmers owning up to 3 acres under the Negilu Yogi scheme and efforts to simplify property and land records. Saundatti MLA Vishwas Vaidya sought faster lake-filling projects and stronger rural healthcare infrastructure in Saundatti and Bailhongal taluks.