Collector pushes for sustainable tourism in Palghar's tribal belt

Palghar District Collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar has called for coordinated efforts among various government departments to develop the tribaldominated talukas of Jawhar and Mokhada into sustainable tourism destinations while ensuring environmental conservation and creating livelihood opportunities for local communitiesThe initiative forms part of a broader development strategy aimed at improving infrastructure strengthening water security and promoting communitybased tourism in the regionCollector reviews development projects during field visitDr Jakhar conducted a field visit on Friday along with senior officials from the Forest Department Public Works Department PWD and Tribal Development Department to assess the progress of key infrastructure and public service projectsAccording to a release issued by the district administration on Saturday the visit focused on identifying development gaps and reviewing projects that could improve connectivity tourism infrastructure and rural livelihoodsThe collector outlined a comprehensive vision for the region emphasising the need to balance economic development with environmental sustainabilityFocus on tourism as a source of local employmentDuring the review Jakhar stressed that tourism should be developed in a manner that benefits local communities while offering visitors a complete and enriching experienceTourism must extend beyond attractions to create a complete visitor experience while acting as a catalyst for local employment the district administration quoted her as sayingOfficials said the administration is exploring tourism models that generate income for tribal communities through hospitality local services and ecotourism activitiesAdventure tourism projects under developmentAs part of the tourism development plan the collector reviewed a twoway zipline project at Kasatwadi being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 12 croreThe project is expected to become operational within the next month and is aimed at attracting adventure tourism enthusiasts to the regionShe also reviewed plans for a proposed skywalk glass bridge near the popular Dabhosa waterfall The project estimated to cost around Rs 2 crore is proposed to be developed under a BuildOperateTransfer BOT modelOfficials believe such projects could help increase tourist footfall while creating economic opportunities for local residentsInfrastructure and connectivity receive attentionTo assess connectivity challenges in remote areas Jakhar undertook a nearly fourkilometre trek through difficult terrain to reach Khairmal villageFollowing the visit she directed the Public Works Department to prepare a proposal for constructing a bridge on the GatepadaAyare route to improve access for residents and visitorsOfficials said improved road and bridge infrastructure will be crucial for supporting tourism growth and ensuring better access to essential services in remote tribal areasNew Maha eSeva Centre inaugurated in MokhadaDuring her visit to Mokhada the collector inaugurated a newly established Maha eSeva Centre designed to improve access to government services for rural residentsThe centre is expected to facilitate quicker delivery of various citizen services and reduce the need for villagers to travel long distances for administrative workThe administration said digital service centres are being promoted as part of efforts to improve governance and service delivery in tribal regionsWater conservation measures prioritised ahead of monsoonWater security was another key focus of the reviewJakhar directed concerned departments to prioritise the desilting and repair of existing gabion structures and check dams across the region to enhance water storage capacity before the monsoon seasonOfficials said strengthening water conservation infrastructure is essential for supporting agriculture improving drinking water availability and ensuring longterm sustainability in tribal areasCommunityled tourism models to be expandedThe district administration also plans to promote village homestay clusters under the Dharati Aaba Janjatiya initiative to encourage community participation in tourismAuthorities are additionally looking to expand successful local tourism models such as the Jawhar Camping project at Dhaparpada which has been developed with community involvementOfficials believe that encouraging local participation in tourismrelated activities can help generate sustainable income while preserving the regions cultural and ecological heritageThe administration said coordinated efforts across departments will be key to transforming Jawhar and Mokhada into tourism destinations that support both economic development and environmental conservationWith inputs from PTI