Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde Orders MSRDC Office To Expedite New Mahabaleshwar Project
Maharashtra: Eknath Shinde Orders MSRDC Office To Expedite New Mahabaleshwar Project
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to establish an office in Mahabaleshwar to accelerate the development of the New Mahabaleshwar project in Satara district. This decision was made during a review meeting in Shinde’s hometown of Dare, where he evaluated ongoing tourism-related projects in the area.
The New Mahabaleshwar project spans 214 villages, including Dare and Munavle, and areas along the Koyna River. Shinde emphasized the need for MSRDC, designated as the planning authority for the project, to ensure the systematic development of this emerging tourist destination. Due to the challenges faced by local residents in accessing MSRDC’s Satara office, Shinde instructed the immediate establishment of a dedicated office in Mahabaleshwar.
Local residents raised concerns about regulations for boat operations on the Koyna River, requesting separate rules tailored to the region. Shinde directed officials to revise existing guidelines to address these concerns. He also reviewed infrastructure projects, including the expansion of roads near Pratapgad and Tapola, the construction of a bridge over the Koyna River, and the development of a tourist gallery. He urged officials to expedite these projects to ensure timely completion.
Shinde further advocated for allowing locals to establish temporary home stays in tents to provide livelihood opportunities. He also recommended promoting bamboo and other plantation activities along the Koyna River to enhance the area’s ecological appeal.
Additionally, Shinde ordered the suspension of substandard work at Pratapgad Fort, emphasizing that the site, a revered landmark of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, must only host high-quality developments. He inspected the Munavle water tourism project and announced plans for night tourism and water ambulances in the Vasota and Tapola regions.
The Deputy Chief Minister concluded by stating that a new bridge connecting western Maharashtra and Konkan, expected to be completed by June, will boost tourism in Tapola, Bamnoli, and Mahabaleshwar.
