Pune: Tourist Police Stations for Lonavala and Karla Amid Rising Visitor Numbers
Lonavala, 27th February 2025: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced plans to establish Tourist Police Stations in Lonavala and Karla to enhance security for the increasing number of tourists and devotees. The decision comes in response to the growing influx of visitors to these popular destinations in Pune District’s Maval taluka.
During a high-level meeting at Mantralaya to review development projects in Maval taluka, Pawar also addressed the issue of traffic congestion on highways. He promised to pursue the widening of highways and construction of flyovers in the Talegaon, Chakan, and Shikrapur areas with the Union Ministry of Road Transport.
Key points from the meeting include:
1. Approval for a funicular ropeway project at the Ekvira Devi Temple in Karla to improve accessibility for devotees.
2. Directives to expedite the initial construction phases of Lonavala and Vadgaon (Kanhe) Sub-District Hospitals.
3. Approval of 2.60 hectares of land in Jambhul village for a taluka sports complex, featuring facilities for Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball, Football, Tennis, and an Athletic Track.
4. Review of various regional water supply schemes under the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, including projects in Done, Adhale, Dongargaon Kusgaon, Patan, Karla and surrounding areas.
Pawar emphasized the need for swift completion of these projects and assured additional funding if required. He also stressed the importance of developing a state-of-the-art sports complex in Jambhul to enhance the prestige of Maval taluka.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare of Maharashtra Prakash Abitkar (via video conference), Maval MLA Sunil Shelke, and senior officials from various departments including Urban Development, Public Works, Finance and Planning, Water Supply, Sanitation, Health, MSRDC, MIDC, Home, and Sports.
