Maharashtra Fast-Tracks 92 Crore Munawale Aqua Tourism

Government Accelerates Approvals for Koyna Reservoir Tourism Hub Featuring Boating, Water Sports, and Modern Visitor Facilities

The Maharashtra government has stepped up efforts to fast-track the ₹92-crore Munawale Aqua Tourism Project in Satara, a major tourism initiative designed to transform the scenic Koyna (Shivsagar) Reservoir into a world-class destination for water-based tourism. The project is expected to strengthen Maharashtra's tourism sector, attract more visitors, and create new employment opportunities for local communities.

During a high-level review meeting held at the Vidhan Bhavan, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai directed all concerned departments to speed up administrative approvals and statutory clearances so that the project can move forward without unnecessary delays. The meeting was attended by Public Works Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale along with senior officials from multiple government departments.

Munawale Aqua Tourism Project to Offer Modern Water Recreation Facilities

The proposed development focuses on the Munawale area surrounding the Shivsagar Reservoir, one of Maharashtra's most picturesque water bodies. The government plans to build modern tourism infrastructure that will allow visitors to enjoy a variety of recreational experiences while preserving the area's natural beauty.

The project includes several visitor-focused attractions such as:

• Boating facilities
• Water sports activities
• Tourist amenity centers
• Recreational zones
• Improved visitor infrastructure around the reservoir

Officials believe these additions will help position Satara as one of Maharashtra's leading destinations for aqua tourism while encouraging longer tourist stays and increased local spending.

Government Reviews Progress on ₹92-Crore Tourism Development Plan

During the review meeting, officials presented updates on the project's master plan, infrastructure requirements, pending approvals, and long-term development strategy.

The revised administrative proposal has increased the project's estimated investment to more than ₹92 crore, with approval processes from various government departments now nearing completion.

Minister Desai emphasized that all departments must maintain close coordination and complete every stage of the approval process within the planned timeline. He also instructed officials to closely monitor project milestones to ensure timely implementation.

Tourism Project Expected to Support Local Economy and Employment

The Maharashtra government expects the Munawale Aqua Tourism Project to generate significant economic benefits for Satara district. By attracting more domestic and international visitors, the project is expected to create new opportunities for businesses involved in hospitality, transportation, food services, boating operations, and tourism-related activities.

Officials also noted that the district's natural landscape, abundant water resources, and scenic surroundings provide a strong foundation for developing sustainable tourism infrastructure.

Government Reviews Veer Jivaji Mahale Memorial at Pratapgad Fort

Alongside the aqua tourism project, the government also reviewed progress on another important tourism initiative at Pratapgad Fort.

Officials discussed plans to build a grand memorial dedicated to Veer Jivaji Mahale, the courageous bodyguard of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The proposal has received in-principle approval and includes the construction of a full-length statue along with supporting visitor facilities.

The Tourism Department has been instructed to finalize the proposal and identify suitable land for the memorial at the earliest so that development work can begin after necessary approvals.

Multiple Departments Working Together for Faster Project Execution

Senior representatives from the Tourism Department, Forest Department, Water Resources Department, and the Satara district administration participated in the review meeting, with several officials joining through video conferencing.

The Maharashtra government has directed all departments to work in close coordination to complete approvals, resolve pending issues, and ensure the timely implementation of both the Munawale Aqua Tourism Project and the Veer Jivaji Mahale Memorial, reinforcing the state's broader strategy of expanding tourism infrastructure and promoting regional economic growth.