Responsible tourism got another boost after Maharashtra government released about INR 72 crore for the development of eco-tourism sites in the state. The govt had made a provision of INR 273 crore for the purpose for the year 2024-25.
Of this provision, INR 101.31 crore were distributed in May, August and September. Responding to the proposals submitted by the APCCF (budget, planning, and development), the state released another chunk of INR 72.45 crore on Monday. Of this, INR 15 crore have been alloted for a botanical garden in Visapur in Chandrapur district — forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar’s dream project.
Over all, 30 ecotourism sites will benefit. The prominent sites include Ramtek’s Gad Mandir, Tipeshwar sanctuary, Tadoba buffer, hill sites, forts, lakes, waterbodies, botanical gardens, temples, religious sites, waterfalls, and other destinations.
The government has identified these sites based on their potential to attract tourists and generate revenue for the state. The development of these sites will include construction of necessary infrastructure such as roads, parking lots, toilets, and accommodation facilities. The government also plans to promote these sites through various marketing and promotional activities to attract more tourists.
In Northeast India—a region of dense forests, pristine rivers, and rich tribal cultures—sustainable luxury tourism combines indulgence with responsibility. Travellers can explore its raw beauty while minimizing environmental impact. With global sustainable tourism valued at USD 181.1 billion, now is the time to secure the future of eco-luxury tourism in the Northeast.
The development of eco-tourism sites is expected to boost the local economy by creating employment opportunities for the local population. It will also help in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the state. The government has also emphasized the need for sustainable development of these sites to ensure the environment remains unharmed.The forest department will be the nodal agency for the development of these sites, and they will work in coordination with other departments such as tourism, rural development, and tribal development to ensure smooth implementation.
The release of funds for the development of eco-tourism sites is a significant step towards promoting tourism in the state. It is expected to attract more tourists from within the state as well as from other parts of the country and the world.
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