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Time of India
02-05-2025
- Time of India
Floating vegetable market on Venna Lake, honey farming a hit among tourists at Mahabaleshwar fest
Kolhapur: A floating vegetable market on Venna Lake and tour of villages where honey farming takes place were among the must-see places for tourists on the first day of the three-day Maharashtra Tourism Festival, which began at Mahabaleshwar hill station on Friday. State tourism minister Shamburaj Desai said that bookings from tourists wanting to stay in tents and domes was good. "As many as 87 tents and domes were booked on the first day," said Desai. In the morning session, tourists visited the floating vegetable market at Venna Lake — a theme replicated from Srinagar's Dal Lake. The vegetables, both local and exotic, were displayed on boats by local vendors in an attractive manner. Many tourists signed up for honey bee tour, which involved a visit to Manghar, Madhuban villages, where honey farming takes place. The tour included both sightseeing and visits to honey farms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Rolls-Royce Of Hearing Aids (And Under $100) Top Trending News Today Learn More Undo The tourists also took rides in helicopters. At Golf Maidan, an exhibition of forts and locally grown products was displayed. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde praised the selection of locally grown products and the provision of stalls for women associated with self-help groups. The authorities have also opened heritage buildings for public viewing. Many people visited Petit Library, which has an enormous number of old books, paintings, and photos showcasing the history of the hill station. Deputy chief minister Shinde said, "The work of constructing bridges connecting Konkan with western Maharashtra is currently on. The work on connecting two tehsils divided by backwaters of Koyna reservoir with a cable bridge and a viewing gallery is on. We have asked authorities to carry out environmental-friendly projects to ensure that youths get jobs locally and do not have to migrate to cities."
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Time of India
Maharashtra to launch tourism security force with pilot project in Mahabaleshwar
Kolhapur: State govt has decided to establish a dedicated ' Maharashtra Tourism Security Force ', starting with the deployment of 25 "tourism mitras" during the three-day Mahabaleshwar Tourism Festival , starting May 2. The aim is to instil a sense of safety among tourists, both domestic and international. State tourism minister Shamburaj Desai, who is also the Satara district guardian minister, made this announcement on Monday. The decision was taken in the wake of the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir. To begin with, 25 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation will be appointed. These personnel will receive necessary training for tourist safety and festival management. The force will remain active till Aug 31. Required vehicles and other facilities will be provided, and senior officers will be appointed by the Satara district superintendent of police to ensure proper execution of the duty. The expenses for this initiative will be covered by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in coordination with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and the office of the Satara district superintendent of police. "Tourist mitras will be appointed on a contract basis at tourist destinations. I have asked the state security corporation and an agency to submit the details of the available personnel. The security volunteers will also help guide tourists, ensure eco-friendly measures are adopted, and that nature is protected," said Desai. The tourist security force is not a new concept and has been in place in some form or other in a few states. They are called "tourist police" in some states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Tripura. Rajasthan has a "tourist assistance force" with booths established at key locations. Tourists can register their complaints with the booths, which can be addressed by the tourist police. "This initiative will foster a trustworthy environment at tourist destinations, attract more visitors, and provide economic benefits to local communities. The force will have trained personnel, modern technology, and a coordinated system capable of swift action in emergencies. Services such as helplines, information centres, and digital platforms will be easily accessible to tourists. Additionally, coordination with local police and administration will strengthen the security system. The state tourism department is committed to understanding tourists' needs and delivering services that meet their expectations. This initiative will further solidify Maharashtra's position on the global tourism map," said Atul Patane, the principal secretary of the tourism department. Kolhapur: State govt has decided to establish a dedicated 'Maharashtra Tourism Security Force', starting with the deployment of 25 "tourism mitras" during the three-day Mahabaleshwar Tourism Festival, starting May 2. The aim is to instil a sense of safety among tourists, both domestic and international. State tourism minister Shamburaj Desai, who is also the Satara district guardian minister, made this announcement on Monday. The decision was taken in the wake of the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir. To begin with, 25 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation will be appointed. These personnel will receive necessary training for tourist safety and festival management. The force will remain active till Aug 31. Required vehicles and other facilities will be provided, and senior officers will be appointed by the Satara district superintendent of police to ensure proper execution of the duty. The expenses for this initiative will be covered by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in coordination with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and the office of the Satara district superintendent of police. "Tourist mitras will be appointed on a contract basis at tourist destinations. I have asked the state security corporation and an agency to submit the details of the available personnel. The security volunteers will also help guide tourists, ensure eco-friendly measures are adopted, and that nature is protected," said Desai. The tourist security force is not a new concept and has been in place in some form or other in a few states. They are called "tourist police" in some states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Tripura. Rajasthan has a "tourist assistance force" with booths established at key locations. Tourists can register their complaints with the booths, which can be addressed by the tourist police. "This initiative will foster a trustworthy environment at tourist destinations, attract more visitors, and provide economic benefits to local communities. The force will have trained personnel, modern technology, and a coordinated system capable of swift action in emergencies. Services such as helplines, information centres, and digital platforms will be easily accessible to tourists. Additionally, coordination with local police and administration will strengthen the security system. The state tourism department is committed to understanding tourists' needs and delivering services that meet their expectations. This initiative will further solidify Maharashtra's position on the global tourism map," said Atul Patane, the principal secretary of the tourism department.
India Today
29-04-2025
- India Today
Maharashtra to form 'Paryatan Mitra' for safety of tourists, pilot from May 1
In a bid to enhance tourist safety and revive confidence in domestic travel, the Maharashtra Government has announced the formation of the Maharashtra Tourism Security Force (MTSF), also referred to as Tourism Mitra, under its recently unveiled Tourism Policy initiative was formalised through a government circular dated April 17, 2025, issued by the state's Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department. The new force is envisioned as a specialised unit that will not only ensure security for tourists but also disseminate information about Maharashtra's cultural heritage and major tourist creation of the force is part of the state's broader tourism roadmap, which aims to attract private investment worth Rs 1 lakh crore and create an estimated 18 lakh direct and indirect jobs by capitalising on Maharashtra's natural and cultural assets. As a pilot, the force will be deployed in Satara district during the upcoming Mahabaleshwar Mahotsav, which is scheduled from May 1 to May 4, 2025. Twenty-five trained personnel will be stationed under the supervision of the Satara District Police Superintendent, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation. The force will remain operational in the region from April 25 to August to the directive, vehicles and logistical support will be made available, and senior officers will be assigned to oversee operations. Funding responsibilities will be shared between the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the Maharashtra State Security Corporation, and the Satara Police Superintendent, with the Tourism Development Corporation set to receive reimbursements for incurred government has decided to form Maharashtra Tourism Security Force. The decision has been taken in view of increasing opportunities in the tourism sector, diversity with regards to geography and culture in the state and to give a secured tourist experience," news agency PTI quoted Maharashtra Tourism Minister Shamburaj Desai as saying."They will also be posted for the security of the tourists. This will increase employment opportunities in the state. They will take training to give information as well as protection to the tourists," Desai added.A statewide rollout of the Maharashtra Tourism Security Force is expected soon, pending further government orders issued under the directive of the Governor.
