Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Reviews New Mahabaleshwar Hill Station Development Plan Covering 1153 Sq Km, Spanning 265 Villages
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Reviews New Mahabaleshwar Hill Station Development Plan Covering 1153 Sq Km, Spanning 265 Villages
Satara, June 16, 2025 – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde conducted a review meeting today in Dare village, Satara district, regarding the newly proposed Mahabaleshwar Hill Station Development Plan.
Present at the meeting were District Collector Santosh Patil, Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi, Zilla Parishad CEO Yashni Nagarajan, Deputy Conservator of Forests Aditi Bhardwaj, Director of Town Planning Jitendra Bhopale, Sub-Divisional Officer Rajendra Kachare, Tehsildar Tejaswini Patil, and MTDC Senior Regional Manager Hanumant Hede.
For the first time since independence, an extensive hill station development zone covering 1,153 square kilometers has been officially declared. This area includes 265 villages across four talukas : Mahabaleshwar, Patan, Jawali, and Satara.
To boost tourism, a number of development initiatives have been proposed:
- Tourism Development Centers will act as hubs, connecting surrounding “spokes” or satellite tourism destinations.
- Bamnoli Water Tourism Development Center will be developed with camping sites, adventure activities, boating, and a ropeway system.
- Homestay and Agro-Tourism initiatives will be launched in 20 villages.
- 14 Prosperity Centers for Rural Industries will promote agro-based, bamboo, medicinal, and processed products.
- 44 Village Clusters will be developed, focusing on roads, healthcare, education, and other essential infrastructure.
A total of 147 “Tourism Gardens” (Nandanvan) have been proposed—30 in Mahabaleshwar, 33 in Jawali, 27 in Satara, and 57 in Patan. These will include tree plantations and offer visitors a complete experience with safe travel, comfortable accommodation, meal options, and an overall pleasant environment.
The project is expected to generate significant revenue and will be executed in phased stages—short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans .
Additionally:
- A Naturopathy Center is proposed on 5 acres , and
- A Botanical Garden spread over 100 acres will be developed with support from the Ministry of AYUSH.
The initiative aims to transform the region into a sustainable, tourist-friendly destination while empowering rural communities and enhancing infrastructure.
