Navi Mumbai: Navi Mumbai, renowned as a planned and modern city, is set to add another feather to its cap with the development of a new natural tourist attraction. The Gavalidev area, located on a hill in the MIDC region of Ghansoli, is being developed as a natural tourism spot to boost eco-tourism in the city.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde recently conducted an on-site inspection of the area, providing key directives to ensure the natural beauty of the location is preserved while creating a high-quality tourist destination. He was accompanied by City Engineer Shirish Aradwad, Executive Engineer Yashwant Kapse, architects, contractors’ representatives, and other civic officials.
Gavalidev, nestled in the eastern Sahyadri hill range within the Ghansoli division, is a traditional site popular among locals and visitors alike. Particularly during the monsoon season, the location attracts large crowds from Navi Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Recognizing its existing appeal, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is developing the area to enhance its tourism potential, offering citizens a serene natural getaway.
A 10,000 square meter plot has been transferred from the Forest Department for the beautification project. The initiative has received ₹5 crore in funding under the District Planning Committee’s tourism development scheme.
Development work is progressing rapidly, with plans including paved pathways, gazebos, portable toilets, stone structures, gabion walls, pitching, directional signboards, electrical installations, and water pipelines. Currently, 25% of the gabion wall construction is complete.
During the inspection, Dr. Shinde emphasized the use of locally available natural stones instead of artificial materials to maintain ecological integrity. He also instructed officials to ensure proper drainage by constructing an open rainwater channel alongside the new pathways before the monsoon season begins.
Further, he directed the provision of drinking water facilities and clean toilets for tourists at multiple locations within the site.
“The Gavalidev tourist site must be developed with maximum use of natural materials, offering all essential facilities so visitors can enjoy and relax in the lap of nature. It should enhance Navi Mumbai’s identity as a city that values both development and sustainability,” Dr. Shinde said during the visit.
The project is expected to provide a unique recreational space for citizens while promoting eco-friendly tourism in Navi Mumbai.
