Big talk, no action: Crores worth MOUs of Gujarat Tourism Department remain on paper

The Gujarat tourism department is under scrutiny for allegedly misleading the government by announcing new tourism projects that are yet to begin, leaving them only on paper.

The department had pitched several initiatives to promote tourism across Gujarat, but no work has commenced on these projects so far. Similarly, some companies that participated in Vibrant Gujarat and promised significant investments in the state are yet to begin their proposed projects.

Pending projects

Among the projects that remain stalled is a proposed Global Village on a Dubai theme, where various countries’ arts, dance forms, and cultures would be showcased. Land worth ₹200 crore was to be purchased near Adalaj in Gandhinagar for this project, but no steps have been taken towards its implementation.

In Ahmedabad, a plan to construct a giant wheel on the Sabarmati Riverfront, inspired by the London Eye, has also seen no progress. 

Near Dharoi Dam, 640 acres of land was decided for a multimedia amphitheatre, cafeteria, prayer hall for bhajan-kirtan, resting areas, a library, and a conference hall, as per the government’s official announcement, but the project remains on paper.

In Somnath, a project to build an aquarium featuring various species of fish, turtles, and a water tunnel similar to Science City was proposed, but it too has seen no action. 

Cruise services were also promised in Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Diu, and Gir Somnath through MoUs signed at Vibrant Gujarat, but no cruises have been launched in these regions.

Additionally, a mirror building was proposed at the Statue of Unity site, which has also not materialised. 

At the Incredible India Summit in Delhi, an agreement worth ₹1,200 crore was signed to develop the Devni Mori Buddhist archaeological site in Gujarat, but no work has begun there either.

Despite grand announcements at Vibrant Gujarat and the Delhi Investor Summit, the promises of tourism development have not moved beyond paperwork, raising concerns over the state’s tourism planning and execution.