New Mahabaleshwar Hill Station Development Plan Unveiled
New Mahabaleshwar Hill Station Development Plan Unveiled
Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation releases draft plan for eco-tourism and sustainable growth in the Western Ghats.
The much-anticipated draft development plan (DP) for the New Mahabaleshwar Hill Station (NMHS) has been published by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). This initiative aims to develop an area of approximately 1,154 sq km in the Western Ghats, encompassing Mahabaleshwar town in the north and the Satara-Sangli border in the south, which includes 235 villages and significant nature reserves.
The draft plan outlines various land parcels reserved for tourist facilities, with implementation scheduled from 2024 to 2049. MSRDC has invited stakeholders to submit their suggestions and objections within a month. This development comes after a long history of proposed growth for the region, dating back to 2001, but which had been stalled due to technical issues and environmental concerns.
The existing Mahabaleshwar, established by the British during their colonial rule, remains a popular hill station attracting over 2.5 million visitors annually. The draft plan emphasizes eco-friendly development strategies, such as avoiding new road construction and instead utilizing ropeways, funicular trains, and waterways to minimize pollution.
Sustainability Over Displacement Â
According to, chief engineer of MSRDC’s town planning department, the development will prioritize environmental conservation, ensuring no tree felling is required. Parking lots will be established at least 5 km away from tourist destinations to alleviate congestion, and electric shuttle buses will be introduced for easier access. Virtual centers for tourists are also part of the proposal.
Environmental Concerns Raised Â
Despite the focus on sustainable development, environmental experts express serious concerns about the potential negative impacts on the Western Ghats, which are vital for biodiversity and monsoon regulation.
Madhukar Bachulkar, a key figure in securing UNESCO heritage status for the region, warns that many of the 235 villages included in the plan are ecologically sensitive. He argues that development in these areas contradicts the recommendations of the Madhav Gadgil-led expert panel, which cautioned against such activities in ecologically sensitive regions. Bachulkar and others are prepared to escalate their opposition by contacting UNESCO if the project proceeds without adequate environmental protections.
The draft plan presents an opportunity for the sustainable development of the New Mahabaleshwar Hill Station while balancing tourism growth with ecological preservation, but it also faces significant opposition from environmental advocates concerned about the future of this critical region.
