Meeting Chaired by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for Tourism Development in Shri Harihareshwar, Maral, and Shrivardhan of Raigad District

Mumbai : Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has directed officials to urgently submit proposals for the development of key tourist destinations in Raigad district—Shri Harihareshwar, Maral, and Shrivardhan—under the Central Government’s ‘PRASAD’ scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive). He also instructed that all necessary approvals for tourism development plans be expedited so that implementation can begin without delay.

A meeting regarding the tourism development plans for Shri Harihareshwar, Maral, and Shrivardhan was held at the Committee Room of the Deputy CM’s office in Mantralaya, chaired by Ajit Pawar via video conferencing. The meeting was attended by Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, Minister of State for Tourism Indranil Naik, MP Sunil Tatkare, and senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary of Planning Department Dr. Rajgopal Deora, Additional Chief Secretary of Finance O.P. Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of PWD Manisha Mhaiskar, Principal Secretary of Tourism Atul Patne, Secretary to the Deputy CM Rajesh Deshmukh, Konkan Divisional Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Manojkumar Suryavanshi, Raigad District Collector Kisan Jawale, and CEO of Raigad Zilla Parishad Neha Bhosale.

To boost tourism in Raigad district—also known as “Dakshin Kashi”—development proposals have been prepared for Shri Harihareshwar, Diveagar, Maral, and Shrivardhan. The meeting featured presentations on two key projects: the development and beautification of the circumambulatory (pradakshina) path around Shri Harihareshwar Temple and a proposed stargazing observatory at Maral. The Harihareshwar project is expected to cost approximately ₹22.66 crore. The Maral stargazing center will be Raigad district’s first advanced astronomical observation facility, with an estimated cost of ₹25.06 crore. This facility will offer transparent guest domes, camping zones, adventure activities, lecture halls, and integrated experiences with forest resources.

Deputy CM Pawar expressed confidence that these tourism master plans will give a significant boost to spiritual, nature-based, and astro-tourism in the Raigad region, while also creating employment opportunities and stimulating the local economy.