Maharashtra DyCM Ajit Pawar Reviews Key Infrastructure And Tourism Projects In Raigad; Greenlights ₹80 Crore Biodiversity Park Proposal

In order to boost infrastructure and tourism in Raigad, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar chaired a high-level meeting at Mantralaya along with Raigad Ministers and senior government officials. The meeting, held on Tuesday, aimed to expedite a series of crucial projects across the district, with a special focus on environmental conservation, rural development, and tourism enhancement.

At the meeting, officials discussed a revised proposal of Rs 80 crore for the development of the Dr. C.D. Deshmukh Biodiversity and Forest Park in Jamgaon, Roha Taluka. Deputy CM Pawar emphasized that the Finance Department would immediately verify and approve the proposal, ensuring that additional funds are released in phases as required. He also directed that the ongoing work, already supported by an allocated .Rs 30 crore, be completed without delay.

The participants also reviewed plans for a ropeway project at the Kedarjanani Mata Devasthan in Tise village of Roha Taluka which is proposed under the Central Government’s Parvatmala scheme. “The proposal to include the sacred site among the 45 ropeway locations already identified in Maharashtra will be prepared and submitted to the state government for prompt approval before being forwarded to the Centre,” said a statement released by District Information Officer (DIO), Raigad.

Additionally, urgent measures to relocate and rehabilitate Sambe village in Roha Taluka, due to its landslide-prone status, were discussed. The Deputy CM instructed officials to initiate the resettlement process immediately for the safety of the residents. The meeting further cleared the path for establishing a Saline Land Research Centre at Girne in Tala Taluka, under the aegis of Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, to facilitate agricultural research and development in challenging saline areas.

In Shrivardhan Taluka, the meeting addressed the development of tourism infrastructure in Diveagar through the creation of a fishery and tourist shelter center under the Central Government’s Swadesh Darshan scheme. The inclusion of Padmadurg Fort into the state’s Fort Conservation Scheme was also considered, and steps were directed to submit a detailed proposal for the fort’s conservation. Furthermore, the challenges faced in the Murud Fort area and the Rajapuri Gram Panchayat were discussed, with a focus on drafting strategies to resolve these issues effectively.

The high-level meeting was attended by several key dignitaries and senior officials from various departments including Additional Chief Secretaries of Planning, Finance, Cultural Affairs, Urban Development, and Rehabilitation, as well as the Principal Secretary of Tourism. Other notable attendees included officials from CIDCO, Konkan Divisional Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, and Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stressed the urgency of timely execution and inter-departmental coordination to ensure these projects are completed efficiently. He also highlighted the importance of honoring the legacy of renowned economist Dr. C.D. Deshmukh through the successful development of the biodiversity park in his hometown, noting that such initiatives are vital for driving sustainable development in Raigad.