Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is leaving no stone unturned to transform Gavlidev in the Ghansoli node into a prime natural tourist destination.

To facilitate this, around 10,000 square meters of land is being acquired from the Forest Department for beautification. The District Planning Committee has allocated Rs 5 crore under its tourism development scheme for the project, which is progressing swiftly. Planned works include stone-paved pathways, gazebos, gabion walls, water pipelines, and light installations.

The transformation work is being carried out as part of efforts to boost the city’s appeal, informed Dr Kailas Shinde, commissioner, NMMC. He recently visited the site to inspect the development works and directed officials to enhance the area while preserving its natural charm.

Currently, about 25% of the gabion wall construction is complete. Dr Shinde also instructed the team to create drainage channels before the monsoon to prevent waterlogging along pathways and to ensure that drinking water points and toilet facilities are set up for visitors.

Situated on a hill in the Sahyadri range, east of Navi Mumbai, Gavlidev is already a popular spot, especially during the monsoon when tourists from across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region flock there.

Officials believe that upgrading the site will further strengthen its status as a key getaway for nature lovers.