Only three out of 26 identified islands developed by Guj tourism dept

Among the various questions poured into the assembly in the ongoing session, the matter of the state’s islands for tourism purposes has also been discussed.

The minister of tourism, Mulubhai Bera, stated that the Gujarat Island Development Authority (GIDA)  has developed three major islands in the state.

Three out of 26 islands developed

The three islands developed by the tourism dept are Bet Dwarka, Shiyal-Sawai, and Pirotan islands. After the central tourism department directed the state government to identify 26 islands and develop them to boost tourism, only these three were worked upon.

The state tourism department spent ₹60.52 lakh for the development of Bet Dwarka and ₹4.84 lakh for Shiyal-Sawai island.

Gujarat has been gifted with a coastline of 1,640 km, with more than 144 islands identified. The centre directed the development of around 10-12 islands in the first phase.

However, the state government identified 18 islands where tourist activities could be initiated.

There were ample discussions in the past about transforming 50 hectares of islands into tourist destinations.

Govt created GIDB and GIDA

For this, the government also established the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB). Despite the range of meetings, promises, and plans of GIDB, the island development project never took off.

The government also created the Gujarat Island Development Authority (GIDA) and held various meetings from time to time.

Which islands were identified?

During these meetings, district collectors identified some islands for development. The islands include Pirotan, Kalubhar, Gandhiyakdo, Panero, Roji Bet, Azad, Bhaidar, Shiyal Bet, Nora, Piram Bet, Valvod, Aaliya Bet, and Kedia Bet. These islands were surveyed using drones with the help of the marine police and coast guard.

A top official from the GIDB also stated that the island authority was instructed to revamp and adorn the islands with facilities.

In a bid to attract tourism, hotels, water sports, entertainment, and adventure activities were suggested to be set up under GIDA.

The board has laid off ₹10 cr for the study and survey related to the islands.

The government plans to develop the islands through a public-private partnership model, but things are moving at a slow pace right now.

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