Agrotourism has become one of the most dynamic areas of rural development, merging agriculture, culture, and tourism into a unified experience that benefits both farmers and visitors. In India, where agriculture continues to support a majority of the population, agrotourism presents an important opportunity for income diversification, cultural preservation, and rural revitalization. This paper uses a narrative review approach to synthesize existing scholarship and explore how human stories, lived experiences, and community interaction shape agrotourism practices. The review reveals that agrotourism has evolved from simple farm visits to immersive, educational, and community-centered models that promote sustainability, entrepreneurship, and social cohesion. Furthermore, it identifies major challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of training, limited digital presence, and insufficient policy alignment. The paper proposes a forward-looking agenda emphasizing institutional support, technological integration, environmental safeguards, and community empowerment. By placing narratives at the center of analysis, this review contributes to academic discourse by highlighting the human and cultural dimensions of agrotourism, areas often overlooked in economics-centered studies. The concluding section outlines practical strategies and future research directions to strengthen India’s agrotourism ecosystem and enhance its contribution to sustainable rural development.

This study presents a year-long assessment (January–December 2024) of the water quality of the Mula River in Pune District, Maharashtra. Building upon previous findings from 2023, the research evaluates seasonal variations and spatial differences in key physicochemical parameters—Temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and Total Hardness—across five sampling sites: Mulshi Dam, Balewadi, MES, Vishrantwadi, and Sangamwadi Bridge. The results reveal continued organic pollution, particularly in the urban and downstream sections of the river. While Mulshi Dam water remained within acceptable limits, significant deterioration was observed at Sangamwadi, where BOD and COD values exceeded permissible standards. Comparatively, the 2024 results show marginal increases in BOD and COD levels at most sites relative to 2023, indicating rising anthropogenic pressure and insufficient wastewater treatment. The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter pollution control measures, regular monitoring, and community participation in river conservation.

The Maharashtra Leopard Management Plan (2018) was formulated by the Maharashtra Forest Department to address rising human-leopard conflicts, habitat loss, and declining prey populations. Using secondary data from official reports, scientific studies, and wildlife organizations, this paper analyzes the objectives, strategies, and outcomes of the plan. Results show improvements in rescue operations, awareness campaigns, and population monitoring. However, persistent challenges include habitat fragmentation, delayed compensation, and insufficient field-level training. The study concludes that integrating community-based approaches, GIS technology, and sustainable land management is essential for effective leopard conservation and coexistence in Maharashtra.

Coastal tourism has emerged as a major driver of economic growth in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, owing to its rich natural resources, cultural heritage, and recreational attractions. Despite its vast tourism potential, the district faces various challenges, including infrastructural limitations, environmental degradation, seasonal fluctuations, and inadequate policy implementation. This study examines the challenges and opportunities of coastal tourism development in Sindhudurg through a mixed-methods research design comprising field surveys, interviews, secondary data analysis, and spatial assessment. Primary data were collected from residents, tourism stakeholders, tourists, and government officials using structured questionnaires and interviews. Secondary data on tourist inflow from 2015–2025 reveal fluctuations caused by economic changes, limited connectivity, and major disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The study evaluates the influence of government interventions including Sindhudurg’s designation as a tourism district, Chipi Airport development, and coastal regulation policies on tourism prospects. Findings indicate that sustainable tourism avenues such as marine ecotourism, community-based tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure activities hold strong potential for long-term development. However, infrastructural gaps, uneven economic benefits, and environmental pressures continue to hinder sustainable growth. The study highlights the need for integrated planning, enhanced community participation, and stronger policy implementation to promote balanced and sustainable coastal tourism in Sindhudurg.

Ecotourism has emerged as a vital tool for promoting biodiversity conservation while supporting sustainable livelihoods among local communities. This study explores the interrelationship between ecotourism development and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing how responsible tourism practices contribute to the protection of natural habitats and species. Using data from [insert study area or years if available, e.g., 2019–2025], the research examines trends in tourist inflow, revenue generation, and conservation investment to assess the ecological and socio-economic impacts of ecotourism initiatives. The findings reveal that well-managed ecotourism fosters environmental awareness, generates financial resources for conservation programs, and creates livelihood opportunities that reduce pressure on natural resources. However, challenges such as inadequate regulation, over-tourism, and lack of local participation can undermine these benefits. The paper concludes that integrating community-based approaches, conservation education, and sustainable planning is essential for maximizing ecotourism’s potential to conserve biodiversity while ensuring long-term socio-economic resilience.

The mismanagement of urban water resources presents a serious challenge, particularly in densely populated cities with high individual water consumption and substantial waste production. Urban water sources—such as rivers, lakes, tanks, and groundwater—are frequently depleted, polluted, or damaged. Rapid urbanisation and industrial development have intensified this problem, resulting in a significant decline in the water resources of Pune city. The growing urban population, along with increased demand for domestic and industrial water use, has led to reduced water availability and deteriorating water quality. One of the key water bodies, the Mula River, which flows through Pune, is severely polluted with untreated sewage and industrial waste. This study aims to evaluate the level of organic pollution in the Mula River. Over a six-month period, water samples were collected and analysed for various parameters, including dissolved oxygen, total hardness, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Additional factors such as pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity (EC) were also examined. The results reveal high concentrations of organic pollutants in the river, with notably elevated BOD and COD levels at four of the five sampling locations. Moreover, increased values of dissolved oxygen, total hardness, and EC were also recorded at these sites.

Kaygaon-Toka, located in the Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra, is a culturally significant and naturally scenic rural region situated at the confluence of the Pravara and Godavari rivers. Known for its Siddheshwar Temple complex and serene agrarian surroundings, Kaygaon-Toka exhibits strong potential for developing religious, eco-tourism, river-based tourism, agro-tourism, and community-led village tourism. Despite these strengths, the region faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited marketing, seasonal river fluctuations, and low institutional support. This research paper examines the location’s existing tourism assets, socio-cultural dynamics, environmental conditions, constraints, and development opportunities. It proposes a sustainable tourism development model based on community participation, soft infrastructure development, heritage conservation, institutional coordination, and long-term ecotourism planning. The study concludes that Kaygaon-Toka can become a model rural-religious tourism destination if supported by integrated planning, government initiatives, and grassroots involvement