Mumbai, 26 Mar (HS): Maharashtra Government has plans to develop tourist

places and brand them at international level, Toursim Minister Shambhuraj Desai

said. The Government has earmarked Rs 2096 crore for Tourism Developmen Department.

Maharashtra’s historical forts, sea beaches and natural tourists sites will

be brough on international map for making Maharashtra for attracting tourists golbally.

A special drive has been initiated in this direction, Desai said in reply to

the discussion in the Legailslative Assembly on Wednesday.

Given the overwhlming response to the tourism festivals at Mahabaleshwar

and Pachgani at international level, a special plan is being drafted to promote

Maharashtra’s culture, traditional food and art. Facilities are being created

at tourist sites under the ‘Namo Paryatan’ scheme. Besides jugle safary in the

Vidarbha region, development of Kalyaneshwar, HanumanGadhi, Navegaon are under

consideration. A separate plan sea beaches development is being drafted.

Development of important religious places is also consideration with the

cooperation with Rural Development Ministry.

Provision for aditional funds, if required, can be made through

supplementary demands

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar