Rural lakes to get tourism makeover with 50L boost

Nagpur: Quiet lakes and village ponds across Vidarbha may soon transform into curated retreats with the govt offering financial assistance of up to 50 lakh to landowners willing to develop small rural getaways around existing water bodies. The scheme is being implemented through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampata Yojana (PMMSY), introduced in 2021, blending tourism with fisheries-led development.
According to officials, the concept is to keep things simple. Think row boating across still waters instead of noisy motorcraft, designated recreational fishing zones, landscaped campsites, and small cottages with kitchens for intimate group stays. The focus is is on exclusivity, sustainability, and environmental sensitivity. Three to four such projects are already taking shape in different parts of rural Nagpur, offering boutique rural hospitality. Officials believe the initiative can unlock the commercial potential of privately-owned water bodies while generating local employment and offering urban residents an alternative to crowded resorts.Assistant commissioner of fisheries, Shubham Komrewar, told TOI the initiative could prove to be a game-changer for both the hospitality sector and fisheries. "This is a very lucrative scheme. Landowners can convert unused land into a steady source of income. Since these are basic rural getaways and not fancy, their maintenance costs are also relatively low," he said.One such model is being developed at Dudhala Khurd at Saoner in Nagpur district. Nestled amid green hills and shaded by trees, the site centres around a serene lake. The tranquil setting is being positioned as ideal for families, students, and small tourist groups. Non-motorised boats will be deployed here. For overnight stays, the project includes compact guest lodges and cottages. The project was sanctioned in 2024.Beneficiaries can also develop large aquariums up to 2,000 litres. Visitors will be able to view ornamental fish such as the Goldfish, Angelfish, and Koi, adding a fun and interactive fisheries dimension to the experience. The layout further includes tent and picnic areas, with two tents installed near a large tree to provide shaded dining spaces. A 1.5-metre-deep cement pond near the main lake is earmarked for future aquascaping. A modest stage will host cultural and social events, enabling small gatherings and community programmes.