21st century
Description
In the 21st century, Kolhapur, a prominent city in the state of Maharashtra, India, has seen significant developments across various domains — cultural, political, economic, and environmental. Here's a comprehensive overview of key happenings in Kolhapur since the year 2000:
? 1. Urban and Infrastructure Development
Smart City Mission: Kolhapur was included in India’s Smart City program, leading to modernization of roads, street lighting, traffic systems, and public services.
Expansion of Transport: Improvement of Kolhapur Airport (Ujalaiwadi) and better connectivity with Mumbai, Pune, and Goa through road and rail.
New Bridges & Flyovers: Infrastructure improvements like the Rankala-Dabholkar Corner flyover helped reduce city traffic congestion.
? 2. Floods and Natural Disasters
Major Floods (2019 & 2021):
The Panchganga River overflowed in both years, causing mive floods.
Thousands were displaced and agricultural lands were damaged.
Led to greater focus on disaster management and drainage improvements.
? 3. Cultural Renaissance
Preservation of Heritage: Efforts have been made to preserve Kolhapur’s historical structures like the Mahalakshmi Temple and New Palace Museum.
Film Industry: The city remains an important center for Marathi cinema, with some Hindi and Marathi movies shot locally.
Festivals: Annual events like Kiranotsav (sun festival at the Mahalakshmi Temple) continue to draw devotees and tourists.
? 4. Economic and Industrial Growth
Foundry and Manufacturing Hub: Kolhapur has become a major center for automobile parts manufacturing and foundry industries, contributing significantly to Maharashtra’s industrial output.
Agriculture: Kolhapur is a sugarcane-rich district, with many sugar factories and cooperatives, though climate and water challenges persist.
? 5. Education and Institutions
Shivaji University expanded its reach with new courses and research initiatives.
Growth in private colleges and technical institutes (especially in engineering and IT).
? 6. Politics and Governance
Local Governance: Active municipal elections, smart city projects, and civic participation.
Royal Family’s Public Role: While no longer rulers, figures like Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj remain respected public personalities involved in philanthropy and cultural events.
? 7. Sports and Recognition
Kolhapur is known as the “Wrestling Capital of Maharashtra”.
Produced national-level wrestlers, kabaddi players, and footballers.
The Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium hosts major local and regional sports events.
? 8. Tourism Boost
Sites like Rankala Lake, Jyotiba Temple, Panhala Fort, and Mahalakshmi Temple draw thousands of tourists annually.
Development of eco-tourism and heritage walks.
More details
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Source Link | . |
Phone number
