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Cover Story
Tourism Development Cover Story

KEVADIYA

A SYMBOL OF Kevadiya has developed economically and ecologically
UNITY IN in a planned manner while protecting the environment.
Originally, Kevadiya did not appear to be feasible as a major
DIVERSITY tourist destination. Looking at the old way of working, there
was logic in this doubt. This is because there was no road
connectivity at that time, nor were there lights, rail or tourist
accommodation along the road.
In Gujarat, Kevadiya was once a small The Statue of Unity, Sardar Sarovar, the massive Sardar Patel
village located in a remote area. It has Zoological Park, Arogya Van, Jungle Safari, and Nutrition
now become one of the world's most Park are some of the attractions here. A glow garden, a unity
cruise, and water sports too are present.
popular tourist destinations. The Tribal kids are finding work as a result of such increased
Statue of Unity, symbol of Kevadiya's tourism, and local residents are benefitting from new
development journey, attracts more amenities. In Ekta Mall, there are new opportunities for local
tourists than the Statue of Liberty. In handicraft items. In tribal villages, about 200 rooms are
the five years since it was dedicated, being constructed for home stays.
the Statue of Unity has attracted more The Tribal Art Gallery and Viewing Gallery in the Kevadiya
than 5 million tourists. After being Railway Station are built in such a way that a glimpse of the
closed during the Covid period, it is Statue of Unity can be viewed from there.
now gaining popularity again. Once Similarly, Gujarat's Kutch, which was once desolate, is now
connectivity improves, it is estimated a key tourist destination in the country and the world. The
that Kevadiya will attract around one Kutch festival draws visitors from all around the world.
lakh tourists per day. During the Rann Utsav, an estimated 4 to 5 lakh tourists visit
to enjoy the white desert and azure skies.

Minister Modi has been addressing people of the security wheel in the era of Covid. Taking
Indian origin several times and has been calling advantage of this, the Government of India has
to inspire at least five non-Indian families to appointed Tourism Officers in more than 20
come to India in a year, so that tourism can be embassies to promote Brand India. In the year
promoted. of Amrit Mahotsav, the government has started
The world is appreciating the pace at an initiative to develop 75 tourist destinations
which India has worked while strengthening according to international standards. To

New India Samachar January 16-31, 2022 21