Nashik And Sindhudurg Secure Rs 155 Crore To Supercharge Tourism Growth And Development

Saturdayemî, Mijdar 30, 2024

The Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism has earmarked over Rs 155 crore to enhance tourism infrastructure in Nashik and Sindhudurg districts. In a recent announcement on X, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, revealed that out of the total allocation, Rs 99.1 crore is designated for the development of the ‘Ram-Kal Path’ in Nashik. Additionally, Rs 46.9 crore will be used to create an underwater museum and artificial reef, repurposing the former Indian Navy ship INS Guldar for submarine tourism. Both initiatives will be executed under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, aimed at the development of iconic tourism destinations.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also shared his thoughts on X, emphasizing that these projects will enhance tourism to global standards, stimulate local economies, and generate employment opportunities. As per officials from the state tourism department, the Ram-Kal Path initiative in Nashik involves the comprehensive development of the entire area, stretching from Ramkund, located along the banks of the Godavari River, to the Kalaram Temple and Sitagumpha.

The Kalaram Temple, where Prime Minister Modi had performed rituals last year, will also be integrated into this development project. Additionally, the INS Guldar will be scuttled off the Sindhudurg coast to create an underwater museum and artificial reef. The ‘Ram Kal Path’ initiative, approved and funded by the Centre, has been designed by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC). The Centre had called for tourism proposals from various states, and Maharashtra’s projects for Nashik and Sindhudurg were selected. According to Sandesh Shinde, Executive Engineer (PWD), the Ram Kal Path project will encompass the area from Ramkund to the Kalaram Temple and Sitagumpha in the Panchavati region of Nashik.