The Government of India has approved a substantial investment of ₹3,295.76 crore for 40 tourism development projects across 23 states under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’ scheme. Among these, Gujarat has secured funding for two significant initiatives: an ecotourism destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar) in Porbandar and a tented city with a convention centre in Dhordo, Kutch.
Key Projects in Gujarat
1. Tented City and Convention Centre in Dhordo
Allocated ₹51.56 crore, this project aims to enhance the existing tourism infrastructure in Dhordo, which is renowned for hosting the annual Rann Utsav. The tented city offers around 400 tents with amenities comparable to 3-star hotels and resorts, set against the scenic White Desert. The addition of a convention centre is expected to attract business tourism, providing a venue for conferences and events.
2. Ecotourism Destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar), Porbandar
With an allocation of ₹99.50 crore, this project focuses on developing an ecotourism destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar) in Porbandar. The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism by leveraging the region’s natural biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Objectives and Evaluation Criteria
The Ministry of Tourism provided detailed guidelines for state governments to submit project proposals, which were evaluated based on several factors:
- Connectivity: Accessibility to the tourist site.
- Tourism Ecosystem: Existing facilities and services.
- Carrying Capacity and Sustainability: Ability to handle tourist influx without environmental degradation.
- Management and Operation Plans: Long-term viability and maintenance strategies.
- Marketing Strategies: Plans to promote the destination globally.
These criteria ensure that the projects are not only feasible but also contribute to sustainable tourism development.
Implementation and Monitoring
The implementation of these projects will be managed by State Implementing Agencies, with the Ministry of Tourism monitoring progress to ensure timely and effective execution. This collaborative approach aims to enhance Gujarat’s tourism appeal and attract more visitors.
Significance for Local Communities
The development of these projects is expected to have a positive impact on local communities by:
- Employment Generation: Creating job opportunities in tourism and related sectors.
- Economic Growth: Boosting local businesses and artisans.
- Cultural Preservation: Promoting and preserving local traditions and crafts.
- Infrastructure Development: Improving facilities and services in the region.
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