To tap into the revenue potential of the tourism industry, the state government has planned a slew of measures to boost the sector. It plans to upgrade existing tourist and pilgrimage spots, develop infrastructure and improve transport facilities in the state. Beaches, forts, national parks, tiger reserves will get an additional boost in terms of funds, while new tourists spots at par with international standards will be developed to attract domestic and international tourists.
To tap into the revenue potential of the tourism industry, the state government has planned a slew of measures to boost the sector. It plans to upgrade existing tourist and pilgrimage spots, develop infrastructure and improve transport facilities in the state. Beaches, forts, national parks, tiger reserves will get an additional boost in terms of funds, while new tourists spots at par with international standards will be developed to attract domestic and international tourists.
More ST buses soon, depots to be renovated
State finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar insisted on the development of roads, transport, railways, ports and airports, which he said are the foundation of long-term development. Transport buses and bus stations too need urgent attention and upgradation, he said. The government is taking up a pilot project of renovating state transport depots (ST) in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Amravati and Nagpur. New state transport buses will also be acquired. For this, an outlay of Rs 16.40 crore has been proposed. Besides this, Rs 125 crore is earmarked as provisional funds under the planning department. Funds worth Rs 91 crore are proposed for development, inspection and maintenance of airstrips under the Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation at Ozar, Kolhapur, Akola, Shirdi, Karad, Amravati, Solapur and Chandrapur.
Developing pilgrimage sites
The state government has also focused on the importance of pilgrimage sites. Mumbai's Haji Ali dargah, the Tajuddinbaba dargah in Nagpur, the Bhimashankar temple in Pune, Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik, Parali Vaijnath temple in Beed, Aundha Nagnath temple in Hingoli, Ghrushneshwar temple in Aurangabad, Jejuri temple in Pune among others will be given priority in terms of development. The state has earmarked an additional provision of Rs 125 crore under the planning department besides regular funds.
Conservation, protection of forts
A comprehensive master plan is being prepared for the conservation and preservation of forts. This year, 10 forts have been chosen for an integrated development and consevation programme. These will be provided with basic amenities and tourist information centres. Maintaining cleanliness and afforestation will be done by the joint forest management committee. Sound and light shows will be organised in few select forts. This year, a 'Raigad Mahotsav' will be held at Raigad Fort. An outlay of Rs 50 crore is earmarked from the outlay undistributed under planning department.
Preserving nature
Maharashtra is blessed with natural beauty, adding to its scope for tourism. The state plans to establish Nisarg Paryatan Vikas Mandal to preserve such places as tourist spots, generate employment and improve the livelihood of locals.
Protecting wildlife and forests
The government has decided to establish Nisarg Paryatan Vikas Mandals to promote tourism in forest areas, conservation of biodiversity and improve livelihood of locals depend on the forest. For this, Rs.50 lakh has proposed in terms of initial expenditure, while Rs 191 crore has been allocated for the development of integrated wildlife protected zones and tourism facilities in the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Project, Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Gorewada Zoo on the lines of international forest tourism destinations like Masai Mara.
Beach tourism in Konkan
Konkan region of Maharashtra has a long coastline of 720 kms. Keeping this in mind, an outlay of Rs 42 crore is proposed to promote beach tourism.
Use of natural resources
A special programme will be executed to ensure optimum use of the state's natural resources. A botanical garden will be developed in Chandrapur district. For Sindhudurg, a district tourism plan is proposed to be submitted to the World Bank/Asian Development Bank for financial assistance. A proposed project to create a 'Sea World' in Sindhudurg district will backed with required funds. A request has been made to the tourism ministry to provide financial assistance to the project. A skill development training centre is also proposed under the project.
Better facilities en route to tourist spots
Various amenities like direction indicators, washrooms of international standards, potable drinking water and refreshment centres will be developed on the transit route to tourist centres. For the development of tourism amenities at Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Aurangabad, Buldhana, Kolhapur etc, an outlay of Rs. 2.25 crore has been proposed. Besides this, an outlay of Rs 50 crore is also earmarked from the provisional funds under the planning department.
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