Maharashtra budget: Rs 228 crore for tourism development

Mumbai, Mar 26: Maharashtra government plans to promote state as a "tourism brand", Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said in his budget presentation today. Rs 228 crore are being allocated for this, he said.

"Conservation and development of Lonar Lake in Buldhana, development of Kas Plateau near Satara, Sea World and Theme Park Tourism projects in Sindhudurg district, improvement of approach roads to sea coasts, would be the focus areas," he said.

Also, the government plans to organise festivals of award-winning Marathi and Hindi films to mark the centenary year of Indian cinema. Pawar said that necessary funds would be made available for centenary celebrations. The first Indian feature film, 'Raja Harishchandra', made by Dadasaheb Phalke, was released in 1913.

PTI