Maharashtra govt tries to retain submarine project in state

Mumbai: To counter Opposition’s allegation that a tourism submarine project has been moved to Guajarat, the Maharashtra government has started making frantic efforts to ensure that the project remains in the state only. State minister Ravindra Chavan held an emergency meeting at Mantralaya on Tuesday on the issue and made it clear that the project would be set up in Sindhudurg district.

“The Sindhudurg submarine project will come up in Vengurla, no matter what!” said Chavan, who is also a Minister for Public Works (Excluding Public Undertakings) on X.

“The proposed submarine is an ambitious project of the state government and it will boost tourism and development in Sindhudurg district. An administrative approval has been given to procure necessary funds for the project. Funds will not be a constraint for the submarine project. The state officials have been asked to expedite the project,” the minister added.

The Maharashtra Government had announced in 2018 that the submarine project will be made in Vengurla, Sindhudurg. Nivati, known for its natural splendor, is chosen as the site for this innovative project, which is expected to be a major tourist attraction,

However, there have been rumours about the project’s relocation after the Gujarat government signed a MoU with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders for a submarine facility at Bet Dwarka. The project will explore the marine life surrounding Bet Dwarka, a small island off the coast of Dwarka city, which has a mythological significance in the Hindu religion.

The opposition, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), accused the Maharashtra Government of lethargy, which was promptly refuted by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who both categorically denied any plans to move the project to Gujarat.

“No projects are going to Gujarat. Don't believe in false news being particularly spread by the opposition,” Shinde said.