Gandhinagar, June 30 (IANS) Gujarat government, under the stewardship of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is placing special emphasis on enhancing eco-tourism, marine tourism, and also island development in the state.

The government has allocated about ₹20 crore to develop the state’s coastal areas and natural assets into global tourism hubs.

Gujarat, with a coastline stretching nearly 1,600 kilometres from Kutch to Valsad, holds immense potential for marine tourism. The state government has taken several steps in this regard to develop several coastal areas in Kutch, Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Saurashtra into new tourism centres.

According to the Tourism Department, this initiative will develop dolphin eco-tourism at Bet Dwarka, turtle tourism at Okhamadhi, and marine tourism infrastructure at Narara and Pirotan.

Arjun Modhwadia, Gujarat Minister of Forest and Environment, told newsmen, “There are approximately 22 islands in the Jamnagar and Dwarka regions; we have decided to develop the Marine National Park—including Pirotan—as an eco-tourism site. Additionally, there are around 680 dolphins along this coast, which could be a major attraction for tourists.”

“Marine turtle breeding centres have been established at three locations in Saurashtra where sea turtles are found. We also have the Gir Sanctuary, home to lions, and the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, which serves as their secondary habitat,” he added.

The state government is also preparing to place beautiful coastal areas of Saurashtra—such as Madhavpur, Navadra, Ghogha, and Jafrabad—on the tourism map. Projects related to the development of marine tourism are not only boosting tourism in the state but also creating new employment and business opportunities for local youth.

Nirmal Samani, a hotelier by profession, said that Dwarka has taken long strides in religious tourism, and the new avenues of eco-tourism will add value to it.

“Marine tourism and eco-tourism are also flourishing here. Attractions such as dolphins in the Okha coastal area, marine life in the Poshitara region, and adventure tourism—specifically water sports—have opened up numerous employment avenues,” he said.

The government’s thrust on eco-tourism and marine tourism is also receiving good reviews from environmental experts.

The Bhat and Dhanpuri eco-tourism centres, located in Panchmahal district, will become key attractions due to their dense forests, natural beauty, trekking trails, jungle safaris, and local tribal culture, offering tourists a memorable experience.

Tourists also shared their excitement over the possible prospects of marine tourism.

“We have come from Vadodara to visit the eco-tourism site here at Bhat. The atmosphere is wonderful; it is an ideal place for those who love being close to nature,” said Meena Shah.

“This is my first visit here, and I am delighted to see that the place is so close to the city. The government has made excellent arrangements for those who enjoy experiencing nature,” said Pradeep Shah.

Notably, the eco-tourism and new marine projects are currently being developed along Gujarat’s sprawling coast as premium travel destinations in the country.

–IANS

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