Until now, one had to go to Kashmir or Kerala to enjoy a houseboat safari. However, this pleasure will now be available to tourism enthusiasts at the government tourist destination 'Backwoods Emerald,' which has been built by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation on an island in the backwaters of Waghur Dam near Jamner in Jalgaon district. This ₹100 crore project's first phase has been completed at a cost of ₹28 crore.
Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan has taken great initiative to bring various projects to Jalgaon district. He has played a major role in establishing medical hubs, regional-level stadiums and medical colleges. He often expressed his regret that although Ajanta is only 55 km from Jalgaon, tourists go to Aurangabad and leave for Ajanta from there. A dam has been built near Jalgaon on the Waghur River, which originates from the Ajanta mountains. Mahajan had been thinking since 2017 that the dam's backwaters could be used for tourism. An island near Garkheda in Jamner taluka was identified for this purpose. A detailed project report (DPR) was prepared and submitted to MTDC. Meanwhile, approval was obtained from the environment department. This ₹100 crore project was initiated. When Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray was the tourism minister, he particularly liked this project and provided substantial funding. Recently, the first phase of this project, called 'Backwoods Emerald,' has been completed. Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated this peaceful place before the election.
Three houseboats are available for tourists with five-star accommodation facilities. Nine bamboo huts, 12 suites, 12 cottages and three villas have been built for tourists visiting this island, all equipped with modern amenities. MTDC has contracted out the operation of the place, and bookings have begun. Since Ajanta is only 40 km from this location, it is expected that tourists visiting Ajanta from across the state can stay here, and tourists from within the state will also visit this place. The second phase of this tourist spot will be completed soon. The public works department of the state government has completed the design and construction of this project, creating a beautiful tourist spot not only for the district but for the entire state. The first phase has been completed, and to promote awareness among tourists, a musical concert featuring famous composers Ajay and Atul has been organised at this place on December 31.
