Maharashtra to expedite Rs 92 crore Munawale Aqua Tourism Project
On Wednesday, Maharashtra Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai directed state departments to expedite the Rs 92-crore Munawale Aqua Tourism Project at the Shivsagar Reservoir in the Satara district. The project aims to develop the scenic area into an international-standard Aqua Tourism Hub, boosting water-based tourism and creating substantial employment opportunities for local residents.
During a high-level review meeting held at the Vidhan Bhavan, Tourism Minister Desai instructed officials to ensure seamless coordination among different departments. He emphasized the need to complete all administrative approvals and statutory clearances within a stipulated timeline to avoid delays. Public Works Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale was also present at the meeting.
The Munawale Aqua Tourism Project is considered a flagship initiative for the state’s tourism sector. Minister Desai highlighted it as one of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's ambitious projects designed to position Satara as a premier destination for water-based activities in Maharashtra.
Plans for the site include transforming the Shivsagar Reservoir area into a world-class Aqua Tourism Hub. The project will leverage the region's natural landscape and vast water resources to build high-quality tourism infrastructure. Proposed facilities include international-standard boating, water sports, tourist amenity centres, and various recreational infrastructures around the Koyna Reservoir.
The meeting's attendees reviewed the project's master plan, pending approvals, required infrastructure, and future development strategies. Minister Desai stressed the importance of effective time management and inter-departmental coordination to ensure the timely execution of every phase.
Officials at the meeting revealed that the revised administrative approval has pushed the estimated cost of the project to over Rs 92 crore. The process of securing final approvals from various state departments is currently in its final stages.
The review meeting was attended by senior officials from the Tourism Department, Forest Department, Water Resources Department, and the Satara district administration, with several officers participating via video conferencing. Desai urged all departments to work together to ensure the swift implementation of the tourism hub.
