29.09.2026: Governor Reviews Major Development Projects in Kolhapur
Governor Reviews Major Development Projects in Kolhapur
Initiatives like ‘Kolhapur Festival’ Essential for Branding – Governor Jishnu Dev Varma
Kolhapur, Sept. 29 (DGIPR): Kolhapur district, adorned with natural beauty and rich resources, has a glorious tradition in religion, sports, trade, and industry. To achieve holistic and integrated branding of Kolhapur, initiatives such as the Kolhapur Festival should be undertaken, stated Governor Jishnu Dev Varma.
During his visit to Kolhapur, the Governor chaired a presentation of major development projects in the district. Present were Governor’s Secretary Dr. Prashant Narnavare, Family Manager Dr. Nishikant Deshpande, District Collector Dr. Vijay Rathod, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bharud, Shivaji University Vice‑Chancellor Dr. Rajanish Kamat, Zilla Parishad CEO Dr. Jasmin, Governor’s Assistant Mr. Navdeep Agarwal, and Ichalkaranji Municipal Commissioner Mrs. Pallavi Patil, along with senior officials from various departments.
The Governor noted that Kolhapur enjoys a proud legacy. Traditional sports such as wrestling and kabaddi are renowned, the forests are rich, and the district is blessed with scenic beauty. Ichalkaranji’s textile industry and Hupari’s silver craft have reached global markets. The district is home to revered pilgrimage sites such as Shri Ambabai and Shri Jyotiba. Kolhapuri jaggery, Kolhapuri chappals, agricultural produce, and handicrafts are widely acclaimed. Against this backdrop, branding Kolhapur on the global map is essential, and festivals like the Kolhapur Festival will play a vital role. He emphasized that airport connectivity must also be further strengthened.
On social initiatives, the Governor urged the administration to implement nationwide campaigns such as Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug‑Free India) and TB Mukt Bharat (Tuberculosis‑Free India) in a comprehensive manner. He stressed that de‑addiction cannot be limited to laws, police, or government measures alone; it requires active participation of citizens, families, and communities. Creating a drug‑free generation is a major challenge, and society itself must reject addiction. He appealed to sportspersons, artists, and influential personalities to contribute to awareness and public education.
District Collector Dr. Vijay Rathod presented key projects including highway development, state road projects, airport expansion, cultural heritage and pilgrimage development, Shri Mahalakshmi Ambabai Development Plan, Shri Jyotiba Development Plan, education and research initiatives, medical infrastructure, flood control and pollution mitigation projects, the proposed Kolhapur IT Park, the Pavnar–Patradevi Maharashtra Shaktipeeth Highway, modernization of the divisional sports complex, the proposed international cricket stadium, ring road and elevated corridor, and the Vaibhavwadi–Kolhapur railway project.
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bharud presented initiatives such as the Sangeetsurya Keshavrao Bhosale Auditorium, Rajarshi Shahu Khasbagh Ground, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Memorial, mechanical car parking, Rankala musical fountain, astro‑turf hockey stadium, Shri Ambabai Temple parking and Bhakt Niwas, beautification projects, the Kolhapur Elevated Corridor, solid waste management and processing projects, and GIS‑based property surveys.
Zilla Parishad CEO Dr. Jasmin presented initiatives in primary education, including PGI grading and the Samruddha Shala – Pink Room programme.
The Governor praised the Pink Room initiative, underlining its importance and relevance. He also appreciated the innovative concept of a transgender rescue team established in Kolhapur district through the Disaster Management Authority.
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