Pune: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's planned visit to Bhimashankar faced unexpected disruptions on account of severe weather conditions. His helicopter, originally scheduled to land at Ambegaon, had to be redirected to Landevadi due to the unfavorable weather.

The Bhimashankar region is currently experiencing heavy rainfall, which has not only affected the Chief Minister's plans but also disrupted daily life in the area.

Today is the final Monday of the auspicious Shravan month, a day of special significance for devotees visiting temples. Chief Minister Shinde, accompanied by his family, intended to visit the revered Shri Kshetra Bhimashankar temple.

However, inclement weather necessitated an alternate landing arrangement, forcing the helicopter to land in Landevadi instead of Ambegaon.

Sachin Bangar, a representative of the Yuva Sena, stated that Chief Minister Shinde has maintained a long-standing tradition of visiting Bhimashankar during the Shravan month.

This tradition was initially established by the late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe, who used to visit Bhimashankar every year during this period, often accompanied by Shinde. It appears that Shinde is committed to upholding this legacy.

The heavy downpour and thick fog have also impacted the thousands of devotees who have gathered at Bhimashankar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, to mark the last Monday of Shravan.

The adverse weather conditions have caused significant inconvenience, hindering both the Chief Minister's visit and the devotees' pilgrimage. The forest department had recently announced closure of Bhimashankar trails for tourists till September 30 due to adverse weather conditions.