Pune: In a promising development for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourism enthusiasts, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has taken a proactive step towards bolstering forest tourism in Pune district. Minister Patil has issued a directive to the forest department to craft a comprehensive integrated plan that promises to transform Pune’s forested landscapes into thriving hubs of sustainable tourism. This visionary initiative was discussed during a state-level meeting held under the District Annual Plan, where the minister reviewed the progress of various projects slated for the fiscal year 2022-23.
The meeting witnessed the participation of key officials, including District Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh, Conservator of Forests Mahadev Mohite, Superintendent Engineer of Public Works Department Bappa Bahir, District Planning Officer Kiran Indalkar, and Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare Vishal Londhe. The comprehensive review encompassed a diverse array of projects, spanning from the Maharashtra Suvarna Jayanti Nagrotthan Maha Abhiyan Yojana to public works construction, gymnasium materials under the Sports Department, and tree planting initiatives. However, it was forest tourism and Dalit settlement improvement that stole the spotlight.
Minister Patil underlined the importance of collaboration between the social welfare department and the taluka-level system, calling for direct inspections to determine the priority of works in Dalit settlements. He stressed that if infrastructure development had already been executed in these areas, thoughtful consideration should be given to allocating funds for personal benefit schemes and skill development programs, empowering both women and men within these communities.
Additionally, the meeting delved into electricity development works, with a special focus on MSEDCL’s Baramati Mandal, Pune Rural Mandal, and Pune City. Minister Patil urged for the expedited completion of crucial tasks, including the installation of new poles, power lines, and the augmentation of transformer capacity. He emphasized the need for seamless coordination between these electrification initiatives and the Municipal Corporation to ensure efficient and reliable power supply for the region.
The integrated plan for forest tourism in Pune district represents a promising stride towards leveraging the region’s natural beauty for sustainable economic growth and providing residents and tourists with enriching experiences in the heart of nature. As this plan takes shape, Pune’s lush forests are poised to become vibrant eco-tourism destinations, fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment.
