The state government, in its annual
budget, has laid substantial emphasis on tourism, especially in the picturesque
Konkan region.
From buying a battery-operated submarine
for underwater tourism at Sindhudurg to developing a new tourist place in
Ratnagiri to an annual festival at Nandurbar, various initiatives were
announced in the budget.
The Ganpatipule temple in Ratnagiri, with
its beaches and forests, will be developed as a tourist destination and a
budget of Rs79 crore is allotted for the same. The nearby Machal area in
Ratnagiri is also being developed as a tourist destination.
According to the minister of state for
finance, Deepak Kesarkar, who also represents the area, the government wants to
take advantage of the uniqueness of Konkan. “We have a unique underwater
environment at Ninati Rock in Sidhadurg district. India’s first battery
operated submarine will be made available at Sindhudurg. This will attract
large number of domestic and international tourists and will give rise to
employment,” said Kesarkar.
With Konkan, the state government has also
approved plans to develop Ramtek, a religious place, with its association with
Lord Ram and allotted Rs150 crore for this purpose. A fossils museum at
Sironcha in Gadchiroli district is on the cards as well. Similarly, a Chetak
festival would be organised annually at Shahada in Nandurbar district.
Tourism experts have commended the
government for focussing on tourism. “Maharashtra is one unique state where we
can have tourism based on archaeology, history, wildlife, heritage and
religious themes,” said Subhash Motwani, director, Namaste Tourism. However, he
said that the government needs also manage infrastructure, safety and
cleanliness.
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of
Western India (HRAWI), welcomed the move. “We need to take a holistic view
instead of a piece meal approach. Tourism will boost both the local economy and
also generate employment for the local population,” said Dlip Datwani,
president, HRAWI.
Courtesy: HT
Nice...tourism will helps the people & local bodies to generate new income source and keep living standard smooth.
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