Maharashtra State finance minister Ajit Pawar has announced an outlay of $ 210.44 million for various programmes, including the development of the Shivneri fort. An additional $15.03 million allocation for the Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar development plan has also been proposed, keeping in mind environmental conservation and responsive tourism at these destinations, as per media reports.
Among other development plans is the Lonar crater in Buldhana, beautification of Murud Janjira beach, renovation and strengthening of three British bridges in Aurangabad, three-stream waterfalls in Patan and upping the tourist safety measures in the state’s hill stations.
The tourism department in Pune reportedly revealed that the development plan for Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and the Shivneri fort was on paper and would receive a major push. Among other facilities, a tourism and visitor centre has been planned near the Shivneri fort. The development cost for Shivneri is over $ 0.123 million.
A few weeks ago a high-level monitoring committee meeting was held in Mahabaleshwar which decided to tweak the Tourism Master Plan for Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani Eco-Sensitive Zone. Efforts are needed for complete re-orientation of the existing tourism products in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani into those of new sustainable tourism.
Villages such as Malsure, Taldeo, Hatlot, Hiroshi and Adhal have been proposed to be developed to fulfil the purpose of ecotourism. A method for dispersal of tourists to lesser-known spots, such as Wai, Bannoli, Tapola, Mandhardevi and Mayani bird sanctuary, has also been suggested.
The aim is to reduce the tourist pressure on the already burdened spots in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. A development plan of around $ 6.01 million was in place for Lonar crater. The plan includes creating tourist amenities, such as toilets and roads for visitors.
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