The Maharashtra government has given a significant financial boost to Chikhaldara, the only notified hill station in the Vidarbha region, by approving a special tourism development grant of ₹73.33 lakh for its municipal council. This funding is part of a larger ₹4.40 crore package sanctioned for six hill stations across the state to alleviate the strain on their civic infrastructure caused by tourists.
Addressing the Infrastructure Burden on Hill Stations
According to a government resolution issued by the urban development department on January 1, the funds are specifically aimed at strengthening tourism-related civic infrastructure. The move recognizes the unique challenge faced by these picturesque hill towns: they endure year-round pressure on basic amenities from a high floating tourist population, while having relatively small permanent populations and limited local revenue to fund major upgrades.
Experts point out that essential services like roads, sanitation, water supply, and public spaces are under constant stress, especially during peak holiday seasons. The special grant is designed to bridge this critical gap by enabling municipal councils to undertake capital-intensive public works focused on enhancing the tourist experience.
Strict Guidelines for Fund Utilisation
The financial allocation is distributed equally among six selected hill station municipal councils. Each will receive the same amount of ₹73.33 lakh. The beneficiaries are:
- Chikhaldara (Amravati district)
- Matheran (Raigad district)
- Panchgani (Satara district)
- Mahabaleshwar (Satara district)
- Panhala (Kolhapur district)
- Khuldabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district)
It is noteworthy that Chikhaldara stands as the sole beneficiary from the entire Vidarbha region under this scheme, highlighting its importance as a tourism destination in eastern Maharashtra.
Focus on Public and Tourism-Centric Projects
The government has laid down strict conditions to ensure the money is used effectively and for its intended purpose. All works financed by this grant must be public in nature and directly linked to tourism development. The funds cannot be used for routine repairs or private works.
Furthermore, any project valued at ₹10 lakh or above will require separate administrative approval. The state has also mandated e-tendering for all works to ensure transparency and competitive pricing in the execution of these tourism infrastructure projects.
This targeted financial push is expected to help hill stations like Chikhaldara improve their core facilities, manage tourist inflow better, and offer a more sustainable and enjoyable experience for visitors, thereby boosting local tourism economies.
