Jaipur, March 24 The Rajasthan government is planning to develop the area around the Mahi Dam in Banswara district as a tourism destination, with a focus on the region known as the “City of Hundred Islands” due to the numerous islands on the Mahi River, a state minister said on Tuesday.
The Mahi Dam, which is crucial for irrigation and power generation in the Vagad region in southern Rajasthan, will now be developed as a key tourism destination through the planned development of the scenic “Hundred Islands” located in the dam's reservoir area, Water Resources Minister Suresh Rawat said.
The state government has constituted a committee to prepare a master plan for the development of tourism in the area, he added.
“The plan will focus on promoting regulated and eco-friendly tourism activities, ensuring water conservation while creating new employment opportunities at the local level,” Rawat said.
The Udaipur divisional commissioner has been appointed the chairman of the committee, with the Banswara district collector, chief engineer in the Banswara water resources department, deputy conservator of forests, superintending engineer in the public health engineering department, regional officer in the state pollution control board, assistant town planner, and assistant director, tourism, as its members.
The superintending engineer of the Mahi Project Construction Circle has been designated as the member secretary, while the water resources department will act as the nodal authority, the minister said.
The committee will prepare guidelines for land use, demarcation, lease/allotment of government and private land, and regulation of water sports and other tourism activities in the dam's catchment area and the surrounding islands.
It will also ensure strict adherence to environmental norms and prevent any form of pollution, Rawat said.
With its lush greenery, hills, and scattered islands across the Mahi backwaters, the area already attracts visitors.
“The planned development will include water-based activities, eco-tourism initiatives, and scenic viewpoints to enhance its appeal,” the minister said.
The initiative would also ensure balanced, environment-friendly development while boosting revenue and regional growth, he added.
“The project would serve as a model integrating tourism, water conservation, and sustainable development, giving a new identity to the region,” Rawat said.