FEBRUARY 28: Its natural beauty has always threatened to be its Nemesis, its proximity to Mumbai precipitating its transformation from nature's living room to an urban stomping ground. After the state government first contemplated building a second international airport at Rewas-Mandwa across the harbour from Mumbai's southern tip, the coastal villages in neighbouring Raigad district are now being packaged as the latest tourist hotspot.Dubbed as an agri-tourism project, the proposal includes plans to build infrastructure so that foreign and domestic tourists can soak in the rustic splendour of the 14 coastal villages in Alibaug taluka while also being pampered with modern amenities.Minister of State for Fisheries Meena Patil, who is also the MLA from Alibaug, told Newsline that the proposal has already been forwarded to the state government, including a pilot project which will initially cover five villages. Claiming that the Rs 29 crore project, which will cover 45 sq km, will help supplement the income of the locals, she says she will oppose the pending airport proposal of the erstwhile Sena-BJP government tooth and nail.Extremely gung-ho about the project - never mind its destructive potential for the delicate flora and fauna of the region - Patil says: ``The region's agricultural biodiversity and plant and animal life will make the taluka an ideal tourist destination in the coming years. Its nearness to Mumbai will make it even more attractive.''She adds: ``The government will stress on infrastructre development and basic requirements like clean toilets, roads and recreational facilities will be created as in urban cities. In the long run, this will support sustainable agriculture, which includes animal husbandary, foresty and fisheries.Alibaug, whose beaches, creeks and forests have made it an inviting weekend getaway since several years, supports about 248 species of plants in addition to the 100 perennial trees, 146 species of birds and 200 varieties of fresh-water fish. Now, environmental degredation is bound to fast make inroads given the government's plans to either build an international airport there or invite tourists by the droves. The five enclaves earmarked for the pilot project are Saswane, Awas, Kihim, Kawade and Rewdanda.Plans are also afoot to set up an institute for nature study in the fields of wildlife, flora, bird-watching and trekking. A centre for performing arts, a museum and training of tourist guides is also being contemplated.
