The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has secured state government approval to expand its New Mahabaleshwar Project
incorporating 294 additional villages. With this, the ambitious eco-tourism initiative now encompasses 529 villages across Satara district, covering a vast 2,097 square kilometres in the Western Ghats—a recognised ecological hotspot.
Initially planned to include 235 villages, the project gained momentum following significant interest from neighbouring regions. The expanded proposal spans four tehsils—Mahabaleshwar, Satara, Javali, and Patan—and aims to channel the tourism overflow from popular hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani into lesser-known areas, generating employment, boosting the rural economy, and easing environmental pressure on existing tourist hubs.
The inclusion of these new areas follows a rigorous public consultation process. According to MSRDC officials, nearly 900 responses were recorded during the hearings, with a large majority expressing constructive suggestions. This participative approach underlines the project’s intent to align local aspirations with the broader development blueprint.To ensure environmental safeguards, the expansion is governed by stringent conditions laid down by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). All developmental activity is to comply with existing conservation norms, particularly since many of the selected zones fall within eco-sensitive belts and buffer areas of protected reserves.
The project’s execution will be closely monitored to uphold environmental sustainability while enhancing infrastructure and tourist amenities. Proposals include developing roads, basic services, green zones, and regulated tourist facilities to preserve the natural heritage of the region.The MSRDC has indicated that it will finalise and submit the revised Draft Development Plan (DDP) by the end of May for final state approval. Officials also confirmed that all feedback collected during public consultations will be reviewed and integrated into the final proposal where feasible.This expansion of the New Mahabaleshwar Project reflects a growing shift towards ecologically responsible development that not only preserves the environment but also empowers local communities with new economic avenues. As Maharashtra reimagines its hill stations for the future, this project is being watched as a potential model for inclusive and sustainable growth in other eco-sensitive regions.
MSRDC Expands New Mahabaleshwar Project to 529 Villages
