Rs 4 crore plan for Somnath pilgrim centre

The Somnath Trust along with the Central government has drawn out a plan for the development of the area surrounding the Somnath temple, the pilgrim centre on the southern coast line of Saurashtra. Union minister for tourism Jagmohan will kick -off the project shortly.

As part of the Rs 5-crore plan, the nearby sea shore, Bhalka Tirth, River Triveni and Dehotsarga (Lord Krishna's death place) are to developed to form an attractive pilgrimage centre. There will also be a shopping center for tourists, Ashokbhai Sharma, secretary of the Trust said.

There will be projects to develop the environment, tourist facilities, sea shore gardens, entertainment and amusement parks.

All the designs have been prepared by experts from the Central government and these will be put into action in a short span of time, Sharma added.

On the occasion of Sardar Patel's anniversary on October 31, 2003, it was proclaimed to develop Somnath as a gorgeous place.

At that time, Jagmohan had discussed development plans with inhabitants of the area and various experts.

To give a boost to tourism in Gujarat, a separate tourism policy has been declared. In the year 2002-03, among the other activities in this field, the development of the sea beach at Mandvi (Kutch) has also been undertaking.

Also, resort centres have been set up at Dhola veera from where ruins of the Harappa civilization have been excavated.