Mumbai: The project to build a new Mahabaleshwar Hill Station near the famous cold spot in Satara district, has gained momentum. Of the 235 villages in the project, a base map and land use map of 58 villages have been prepared. The LiDAR survey and land verification of the remaining 177 villages have been completed. As soon as the model code of conduct ends, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will start the work of preparing a draft development plan. The state government had appointed MSRDC as the special planning authority for the project in 2019.
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Mahabaleshwar, one of the major hill stations in the state, is a huge tourist attraction. This led to the need to develop a new hill station to ease the pressure on Mahabaleshwar as the number of tourists started increasing on an overwhelming scale. The new Mahabaleshwar will be created with the development of Koyna Back Water and as many as 235 villages in the area.
The scheme is being prepared for an area of about 748 sq km in Satara district and extends from the limits of Sangli district to Mahabaleshwar. It is located at an altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level in the north-south of the Sahyadri range. The tributaries Solshi, Urmodi and Kandati flow through this area. There's also Koyna's backwater. This makes the area lush and picturesque. At the same time, dense forests, wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, and historical buildings are in great abundance. This makes the area is perfect for developing as a destination.
Elements included in the plan
Protection, conservation and restoration of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and eco-sensitive areas.Conservation of rare species by creating buffer zones or connectors and migration corridors around reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and sensitive sites.Protecting a variety of seasonal wildflower and endemic butterfly species on the Kass PlateauTo make Shiv Sagar Lake, Urmodi, Tapola, Koyna Back Water area fertile green and picturesque.
Villages included in the project
Satara Taluka- 34Patan Taluka- 95Jawali Taluka- 46Mahabaleshwar Taluka- 60
Once the base map is completed, the intention to prepare a draft development plan will be announced. The existing land use map, draft development plan is then planned to be prepared and published for citizens' objections/suggestions.- AnilKumar Gaikwad, Managing Director, MSRDC