The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) will build a tourist park nearGangapur dam in Nashik, with a Jantar Mantar-like observatory. The plan will be replicated near Panshet dam, close to Pune, and at Mula dam in Ahmednagar.

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Rajput Sawai Jai Singh during the 1700s. The MTDC's project will be operational 24/7. There will be other attractions including a resort, a boat club, adventure and water sports. Amphibious aircraft would land and take-off from the dams where the project will come up.

An MTDC official told TOI that the place near Gangapur dam will be the first where the tourist park will come up with a resort, adventure and water sports and an international convention centre. "The amphibious aircraft will almost take an hour to reach Nashik from Mumbai, which will be an added attraction for the tourists," he said. He added that the project will be a modern observatory for amateur astronomy enthusiasts and not an exact replica of the Jantar Mantar.

The tourism department has procured a 50-acre land from the state irrigation department for the project in Nashik. The official added that MP Sameer Bhujbal and state tourism minister Chhagan Bhujbal had helped MTDC procure funds from the Centre and assistance from the state for the project.

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