The announcement was made during a high-level meeting held in the chamber of Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai at Mantralaya. The meeting was attended by Tourism Secretary Sanjay Khandare, Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Radha Binod Sharma, and senior officials from the concerned departments.
During the discussions, Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that, as a local representative, he has consistently advocated for the development of Ghodbunder Fort and its surrounding areas as a major tourism destination. He highlighted that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had sanctioned approximately Rs 200 crore for the development of tourism infrastructure around Ghodbunder Fort, which includes a creek waterfront development, a skywalk, and other visitor amenities.
He further noted that the planned development of the fort precinct is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region while also generating employment opportunities for local residents.
As part of the broader vision, Sarnaik had proposed the construction of the Shiv Srushti project at the foothills of Ghodbunder Fort to then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The proposal was approved, and the project was sanctioned at an estimated cost of around Rs 50 crore.
Initially, a high-level committee had decided that 75 percent of the project cost would be borne by the Tourism Department, while the remaining 25 percent would be contributed by the concerned municipal corporation. However, Sarnaik requested Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai to allow the Tourism Department to bear the entire cost in order to ensure smoother coordination, faster decision-making, and quicker execution.
Acting on this request, Minister Shambhuraj Desai issued necessary directions to officials during the meeting. Consequently, the entire financial responsibility for the Shiv Srushti project at Ghodbunder will now be handled through the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation under the Tourism Department.
Officials stated that this revised funding structure is expected to significantly accelerate the pace of development and clear the path for early completion of the ambitious tourism project. Pratap Sarnaik also expressed gratitude to Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai and all officials present for their support in advancing the project.
The decision marks a major administrative push toward transforming Ghodbunder Fort and its surrounding region into a structured tourism hub with improved infrastructure, enhanced visitor experience, and increased economic activity.
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