Nagpur: Tourism has always been a vital contributor to Vidarbha’s development. The Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made significant efforts to introduce a dedicated tourism policy, announcing it just before the Assembly elections. The policy generated much enthusiasm among the people, but now, optimism has faded into disappointment. The reason? The policy remains inactive due to bureaucratic roadblocks, sources said.
To implement the policy, at least seven Government Resolutions (GRs) need to be issued, covering crucial departments such as revenue, electricity, industries, fire, water supply, and urban development. However, only the revenue department has managed to issue a GR so far, which is insufficient to put the policy into action. Meanwhile, files keep circulating among bureaucrats, with no clear resolution in sight. This bureaucratic inertia continues to push Vidarbha further behind while neighbouring Madhya Pradesh capitalizes on its tourism potential.
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The situation is equally grim when it comes to the political leadership. While the government found time to announce the policy on July 11, there has been little initiative to implement it. No minister appears serious about taking it forward, leaving the tourism sector in limbo.
CM steps in
Sources reveal that the delay in issuing the required GRs has been brought to the attention of the Chief Minister, who has now directed officials to expedite the process. However, tourism stakeholders remain skeptical, as past experiences suggest that without consistent political will, these directives often fail to materialize into action.
Despite Vidarbha’s rich natural resources, including forests and water bodies, its rural areas remain underdeveloped. In contrast, Madhya Pradesh has flourished by implementing a well-structured tourism policy. The stark difference is evident in places like Pench, which extends into both states. On the Madhya Pradesh side, there are over 90 luxurious resorts, offering accommodation for around 5,000 visitors. In Maharashtra’s Pench, barely 12 km away, facilities are inadequate, with accommodation available for fewer than 1,000 tourists.
The reason for this disparity is clear: Madhya Pradesh crafted a robust policy in collaboration with industries, understanding their needs and aligning development accordingly. This proactive approach is reflected in its thriving tourism sector, whereas Maharashtra’s renowned destinations like Pench, Tadoba, Bor, Nagzira, and Karhandla lack similar infrastructure and strategic planning.
Vidarbha’s potential being wasted
A well-implemented tourism policy could bring prosperity and employment opportunities to Vidarbha’s villages. However, the continued delays suggest that the state government is not prioritizing rural development in the region. Tourists from around the world visit these areas, expecting world-class facilities. When Maharashtra fails to provide them, they simply turn to Madhya Pradesh, leading to a loss of revenue and opportunities.
More tigers, fewer tourists
Ironically, Vidarbha boasts a significant tiger population, attracting wildlife enthusiasts. However, due to the lack of adequate infrastructure and facilities, many of these tourists prefer to visit Madhya Pradesh instead. The result? Despite having more tigers, Vidarbha is losing out to its neighboring state, which has successfully marketed its ‘tiger tourism’ and built the necessary ecosystem to support it.
Unless Maharashtra takes urgent steps to implement its tourism policy and overcome bureaucratic hurdles, Vidarbha will continue to lag, while Madhya Pradesh reaps the benefits of effective governance and planning.
