Gandhinagar, Sep 2 (IANS) Gujarat has approved development works worth around Rs 133.41 crore at 10 religious, heritage and tourism sites, with projects ranging from temple redevelopment and pilgrim amenities to a rooftop solar installation and tourism infrastructure in the Greater Gir region.
The approvals were given by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi as part of the state government’s plans to improve facilities at pilgrimage and tourist destinations across Gujarat.
The Tourism Department identifies religious, cultural and natural attractions as key components of the state’s tourism offering.
The largest individual allocation is Rs 46.91 crore for tourism-oriented development at various locations under the ‘Iconic Development of Greater Gir Project’.
The works are intended to improve basic facilities for visitors and create opportunities for local tourism and employment.
A further Rs 35 crore has been approved for the holistic development of Shri Vardayini Mataji Temple at Rupal in Gandhinagar district, including enhanced facilities for pilgrims.
At Kesardi village in Bavla taluka of Ahmedabad district, administrative approval of Rs 21.75 crore has been granted for the reconstruction of Shri Jodhalpir Temple and other development works within the temple premises.
The ‘Govardhan Parvat Development Project’ at Anjar in Kutch district has received approval for Rs 12.98 crore, with the stated objective of improving the site and the experience of visitors.
At Analgadh Fort and Mahakali Mataji Temple in Gondal taluka of Rajkot district, Rs 5.06 crore has been sanctioned for development of the area around the historic fort and temple.
The Shri Unai Mataji Temple complex at Vansda in Navsari district will receive Rs 5.03 crore for comprehensive development.
The project includes works at the Shri Ramchandra and Hanuman temples, a circumambulation path, entrance gate, landscaping, compound wall, sump, cultural hall, dining hall and library.
In Bhadarva of Vadodara district, Rs 3.31 crore has been approved for basic facilities along the Mahisagar River near the Chehar Mataji Temple. The project will include a ghat, walkway, paver blocks, railings and landscaping.
At Shri Valinath Mahadev Temple in Tarabh, Visnagar, Mehsana district, Rs 2.68 crore has been approved for electrification works, including a 100-kilowatt rooftop solar system.
Smaller-scale works have also been sanctioned at two temples. Rs 50 lakh has been approved for basic infrastructure at Shri Mahakali Mataji Temple, also known as Mini Pavagadh, at Umrecha in Satlasana taluka of Mehsana district.
The works include high-mast poles, street lights, lighting wiring, open drainage and kerb beams.
At Shri Gora Ramji Mandir in Dharampur, Valsad district, Rs 18.91 lakh, including taxes, has been approved for repair and renovation.
The work covers the first floor and roof, plastering, painting, GI sheet work and flooring.
The projects span Rajkot, Vadodara, Kutch, Mehsana, Valsad, Navsari, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts, along with tourism locations in the Greater Gir region.
The approvals come as Gujarat continues to develop infrastructure around its pilgrimage and tourism destinations, with the state tourism authorities also focusing on improving visitor facilities and promoting its heritage, spirituality and natural attractions.
The combined value of the 10 approved projects is approximately Rs 133.41 crore, according to the allocations listed by the state government.
–IANS
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