Tourism boost plan on cards, Rs 12cr set aside

THANE: Thane region will soon have a lot of tourist destinations, as the Thane district administration has earmarked nearly Rs 12 crore for developing tourist spots within the district.
According to the district collector officials, the department has received slew of proposals for developing eco-tourism spots in Thane. “The administration could not take any decision on the received proposals for nearly four to six months in 2014, as the model code of conduct was on for the general, state and ZP elections,” a mid-rank official attached to the district collector office said.He added, “Administration will ensure that the budgetary provision for tourism development, especially eco-tourism of the region does not get lapsed.”
Spots like Thane creek, which is home to several species of birds, Ambernath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganpati temple in Titwala are some of the places in the district that have tremendous potential to be developed as tourist spots.
As per the district administration records, Rs 4 crore are earmarked for the eco-tourism and nearly double amount has been sanctioned for developing tourist spots (forts, temples) in the Thane region.
The district guardian minister, Ekanth Shinde during his first District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) on Monday asked the administration to expedite the proposal related to eco-tourism development of the Thane region. “Shinde in the meeting asked the administration to submit a concrete plan for development of tourism in Thane. A deadline of eight days has been set by the guardian minister for the submission of the proposal,” the release issued by Shinde’s office mentioned.