In a pivotal move to accelerate long-pending development projects in Junnar taluka, Pune district, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune, Ajit Pawar, has granted a total fund of Rs 120 crore for crucial initiatives. Notably, Rs 80 crore has been allocated for the establishment of a Leopard Safari, demonstrating the government’s commitment to wildlife conservation and tourism development.
The announcement, shared by MLA Atul Benke, also includes a Rs 40 crore fund for the construction of a well-equipped building to house tehsil, land survey offices, police stations, and other essential government facilities in Junnar. This initiative aims to address the longstanding issue of insufficient space for government offices and improve accessibility to crucial services.
The Leopard Safari project, initially approved in 2016-2017, gained momentum with Deputy Chief Minister Pawar allocating Rs 1.5 crore for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The recent approval of Rs 80 crore is expected to propel the Leopard Safari project forward, providing a significant boost to wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
Recognizing the need for enhanced civic infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister Pawar approved Rs 40 crore for the construction of a well-equipped building. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering infrastructural development, making essential services more accessible to the residents of Junnar.
The restoration of the historic palace in Junnar is also on the agenda, with a dedicated fund of Rs 60 crore sanctioned for this purpose under the guidance of the Archaeology Department. Additionally, a Rs 5 crore fund has been approved for the construction of a modernized police station building at Otur, further emphasizing the government’s focus on public safety.
MLA Benke expressed confidence that these sanctioned funds will catalyze the completion of various development projects, including the Leopard Safari, within the next two years. The allocation underscores the government’s dedication to fostering infrastructural development and preserving historical landmarks in the Junnar taluka region.
