Beaches in state set for a sea change

The eight beaches are Mandvi in Kutch,Okha and Pirotan-Sikka in Jamnagar,Porbandar,Gopnath in Bhavnagar,Veraval,Tithal in Valsad and Duman in Surat. After they are developed,these beaches will have new landscape,water sports activities,refreshments,guides,interpreters and basic amenities like drinking water and toilets.

“The department has allocated Rs 120 crore in supplementary budget of current year and Rs 8.5 crore for financial year of 2013-2014 for the same,” said Tourism Minister Pradeepsinh Jadeja.

Landscaping and recreational facilities for these beaches will be decided as per their location and history. For example,in case of Porbandar that does not have a beach but a chowpati,it’s likely to be around its historic importance of being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Beaches like Duman and Tithal can be developed as spots for water sports activities.

Similarly,little-known beaches like Gopnath,which is a religious place,will be promoted as link in nearby famous religious circuit of Somnath and Dwarka. “Skill development of locals is also one of the major agendas under the plan,” Jadeja said.

Local youths will be trained to act as guides and interpreters to local as well as foreign tourists. They will also be encouraged to start small businesses to cater to the tourism industry.

Under the Rs 22,000-crore Saagarkhedu Yojana,which is currently in its second year,the government is aiming at development of all 3,000 villages located along the 1600-km coastline covering Kutch,Saurashtra and south Gujarat. The plan includes building roads,hospitals and developing infrastructure.