Maharashtra govt starts coal mine tours in Yavatmal

To create awareness about the coal mining operations, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), in association with Western Coalfields, has introduced mine tourism at Wani in Yavatmal district.

This is the third such tourism site opened for the public in Maharashtra after the ones at Saoner and Gondegaon.

"Mine tourism is a niche segment and we are expanding it further by introducing new mine tourism site at Wani in Yavatmal to attract a large number of tourists from across the globe," Maharashtra tourism minister Madan Yerawar said in a release issued here.

"The mine locations in Saoner and Gondegaon are already attracting encouraging footfalls and we believe that this new site will help in catalysing the growth of tourism in the state," he added.

The Wani-Yavatmal mine tour will include a visit to Bhandewanda mines along with a workshop in addition to an excursion into the open cast mine in Ukani to view the heavy earth-moving vehicles at the site carrying tonnes of coal.

Trained tour guides will brief and educate the travellers about the mining processes.

Besides mine tourism, Yavatmal district is also known for its pilgrimage sites including the Panchamukh Mahadev Temple, Ram Temple, Mahadev Temple, among others, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every month.