The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has received approval from the state government to expand the New Mahabaleshwar Project by incorporating an additional 294 villages. This ambitious hill station development initiative, aimed at boosting tourism and generating employment and revenue for local communities, now encompasses 529 villages across Satara district.​

Project Overview

Initially, the development plan included 235 villages. However, following requests from neighboring villages, MSRDC submitted a proposal in February to include 294 more villages from Satara, Javali, and Patan tehsils. The state government approved this expansion on March 27, bringing the total project area to 2,097 square kilometers, covering four hilly tehsils.​

Environmental Considerations

Given the project’s location within protected areas and eco-sensitive zones, the government resolution stipulates adherence to guidelines set by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEFCC) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). These measures ensure that development activities are conducted responsibly, preserving the region’s ecological balance.​

Community Engagement and Future Plans

MSRDC recently concluded public hearings for the initial draft development plan, receiving valuable feedback from villagers. Director of Town Planning, Jitendra Bhopale, stated that the corporation plans to incorporate these suggestions into the revised draft, which will be submitted to the state government by the end of May for final approval.​

This expansion of the New Mahabaleshwar Project reflects a commitment to sustainable development, community involvement, and environmental conservation, aiming to transform the region into a thriving tourist destination while benefiting local residents.​

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