Trekkers Paradise Under Development Threat

The trekking community in Pune and Mumbai are enraged over the possible destruction of one their favourite destination. The trekkers and fort lovers are worried over a plan by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to build a resort at Harishchandragad, a fort on the south-east of Pune at about 160 kms.

Harishchandragad is a hill fort in south east of Pune. It has played a major role in guarding and controlling the surrounding region. Konkan Kada, the cliff is the most fascinating point for those who go up the fort because besides being vertical, it is spread like a cobra's hood.

However, all this will be relegated to past because the MTDC wants to build a rest house near the cliff and is to start excavation work there, claim the trekkers. The fort is among 25 forts which MTDC has chosen initially to develop tourist facilities on the forts. The company already has a rest house at Malshej sanctuary. To facilitate the tourists, a road is to be built also in the hill. Railings are to be built on the cliff for which, it is feared, a part of the cliff has to be cut.

Now, the decision is being opposed by trekkers. Giriventures, a Facebook group of trekkers from both the cities, has launched online campaign to oppose the development work. Anurag Vaidya, a trekker from city, said, “Some villagers at the fort told the trekkers from Mumbai about this proposal. When we got to know about the proposal, we contacted the officials at the fort. But we were told that there is no such proposal. I posted about it on my FB account so that people should know how the government is creating chaos.”

Jagdish Pati, managing director of MTDC, said that the Harishchandragad figures among the forts to be developed for tourists but the job will be done without harming the environment. “We have planned a base camp, toilets and other amenities at the fort. The plan is to connect the fort with Bhandardara and other tourist destinations in the area. However, we will not do anything which will harm the environment. It is our endeavour to promote a healthy and environment friendly tourism in the state,” he said.