CIDCO to lead sustainable development in Maharashtra's coastal districts

The Maharashtra government has entrusted CIDCO with the responsibility of planning and developing the coastal districts of Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Palghar on the state's west coast. Former BMC commissioner Subodh Kumar, a seasoned IAS officer from the 1977 batch, will spearhead the high-level advisory board tasked with formulating a comprehensive plan for the region's development, employment opportunities, and sustainable practices in the Konkan area.
CIDCO, originally established in 1970 with a focus on developing Navi Mumbai, is now mandated to oversee large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Navi Mumbai Metro. The organisation's new directive includes executing meticulous planning while ensuring environmental preservation, promoting eco-friendly tourism, adventure tourism, and the conservation of historical forts and tourism infrastructure.
Additionally, CIDCO is entrusted with fostering economic empowerment among the local populace by engaging them in tourism development, processing industries, and other sectors to generate substantial employment opportunities and mitigate migration pressures. To achieve these goals, CIDCO will collaborate with international agencies specialising in sustainable development.
The urban development department has instructed CIDCO to establish offices in each coastal district to streamline the approval process for development plans, currently managed by municipal corporations or gram panchayats. This move aims to centralise decision-making and ensure consistency in development initiatives across the region.
The west coast of Maharashtra spans 720 km from Dahanu to Vengurla, boasting a diverse economy driven by fisheries, betel nut cultivation, coconut farming, mango orchards, and cashew nut plantations. Tourism also plays a significant role in the region's economic landscape. With abundant potential for growth, there is an opportunity to enhance employment prospects by promoting tourism and establishing processing industries while simultaneously safeguarding the coastal ecosystem, environment, and wildlife.
The region's ports facilitate substantial import-export activities, with trade amounting to USD 73 billion in the previous fiscal year. To capitalise on this momentum, the central and state governments aim to bolster exports further, with a target of reaching a staggering one trillion dollars (five lakh crores) in the next five years.
The advisory board, led by Subodh Kumar, has been granted the authority to enlist additional experts as needed to deliberate on key issues. Their term will extend from the establishment of the development plan to the promulgation of the draft development plan.
The advisory board's initial task involves crafting a visionary document for the designated area within the first six months, in consultation with all stakeholders, including CIDCO. This process will entail conducting field visits and studying relevant national and international case studies to inform the development plan. CIDCO, in alignment with the vision document, will propose necessary provisions for the development plan, drawing upon various guidelines and standards. Furthermore, CIDCO will select a reputable international agency, in coordination with the advisory board, to aid in plan implementation.
In summary, the government's initiative, spearheaded by CIDCO and the advisory board under Subodh Kumar's leadership, aims to foster sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental conservation in Maharashtra's coastal districts, ensuring a prosperous and vibrant future for the region.

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CIDCO to lead sustainable development in Maharashtra's coastal districts

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