Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has sanctioned over ₹90 crore for the development of Lonar Lake to boost tourism infrastructure in Vidarbha, announced minister of state for tourism Indranil Naik in the state legislative council.“The state has sanctioned ₹91.29 crore for a comprehensive development plan at Lonar Crater Lake in Buldhana district. We have also initiated the process of securing the necessary permissions for UNESCO recognition,” Naik said while replying to a proposal under Rule 260.Naik said the government is accelerating key tourism and heritage development projects across the state. Besides Lonar Lake, major investments are planned along the Konkan coast, at Khultabad, and historic sites linked to Rajmata Jijau in Raigad and Buldhana districts.In a first-of-its-kind marine initiative, the Indian Navy’s decommissioned warship INS Gulzar will be submerged off the Konkan coast in the coming weeks to form an eco-friendly artificial reef. “Final environmental clearances are underway, and the submersion is expected by the end of July or early August,” Naik informed the council.In the assembly, Naik also announced dedicated funds for the conservation and development of Rajmata Jijau Masahib’s memorials at Pachad in Raigad and Sindkhed Raja in Buldhana. At Pachad, ₹50 crore was sanctioned under the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative for a Shivsrushti-themed project. The site, which includes Jijau’s samadhi and palace, is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). “All work at the site is being carried out with ASI’s permission,” Naik clarified.At Sindkhed Raja, Jijau’s birthplace, ₹12.96 crore has been allocated for the restoration of five state-protected monuments, along with an additional ₹9.49 crore under the district annual plan. “Restoration work is progressing as per schedule and will be completed soon,” Naik said.The minister added that the government has received proposals to develop a memorial for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at Khultabad and to enhance infrastructure near the Ajanta-Ellora circuit. He said a joint meeting of departments—including cultural affairs, tourism, urban development, forest, planning, rural development, and revenue—will soon be convened to synchronise efforts at all heritage sites.
