Pune: Ajit Pawar Urges Expedited Development And Safety Measures For Tourist Spots And Infrastructure
Pune: Ajit Pawar Urges Expedited Development And Safety Measures For Tourist Spots And Infrastructure
Mumbai, August 7 – Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has emphasized the need for accelerated development and enhanced safety measures for key tourist spots and infrastructure projects in Pune district. During a review meeting, Pawar directed officials to expedite ongoing development projects and ensure their completion by the end of August.
Pawar specifically addressed various projects in the Maval Assembly constituency, instructing officials to fast-track both completed and upcoming works. He highlighted the need for prompt initiation of tender processes for proposed development works and preparation for inaugurations and foundation-laying ceremonies scheduled for early September.
Pawar reviewed several development initiatives, including the renovation of the Killa, which attracts approximately 4.5 million pilgrims annually. The project aims to improve amenities around the temple and enhance visitor experience. Additionally, technical approval has been granted for a funicular railway at the Shri Ekvira Devi Temple, expected to facilitate a five-minute commute to the temple. Pawar urged that safety measures be prioritized in the project’s implementation and that the infrastructure committee be promptly engaged to expedite the process.
Instructions were also given to expedite work on the state-protected monument dedicated to Saint Santaji Jagnade Maharaj, with a focus on the development of facilities and additional amenities in the area. This includes repairs, construction of ghats, tourism accommodations, and a museum. Pawar also emphasized the urgency of completing the remaining construction of the sub-district hospitals in Lonavala and Vadgaon.
For Lonavala’s Kurwande area, which is set to boost tourism with the Tiger and Lions Point projects, Pawar highlighted the need for robust infrastructure. Proposed developments include a glass skywalk, a bridge connecting Lions and Tiger Points, adventure sports facilities, and road widening. As the first of its kind in the state, this project is expected to become a major attraction, and safety must be given top priority. Pawar recommended consulting with IIT Roorkee and Delhi for structural dynamics guidance and suggested that public-private partnerships be explored for the project’s infrastructure.
Additionally, Pawar reviewed the progress of various infrastructure projects under the Asian Development Bank, including roads, administrative buildings, and bridges in Maval. He instructed public works officials to complete these projects within the set timelines.
Discussions were held regarding the resumption of work at Lokmanya Hospital in Nigdi and the settlement of pending dues. Following a court dispute with the National Labor Front, Pawar advised awaiting judicial orders before making decisions.
Finally, addressing the Pavana Dam project-affected families, Pawar stressed the importance of fair distribution of land to eligible farmers, with an immediate start to the process for land without encroachments.
