The Somnath Trust today decided to prepare a comprehensive Temple-Tourist-Township Development Plan for the Somnath temple complex and its surrounding region.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Shri L.K. Advani proposed and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi seconded the resolution at the 107th meeting of the Trust held at Ahmedabad with former Chief Minister Shri Keshubhai Petel in the chair.

The meeting extended the term of Mr. Keshubhai Patel as the President of the Trust, inducted Shri Narendra Modi and Shri Pravinbhai Laheri as the Trustees.

The plan is for the development of the temple. The CEPT University made a presentation on the Plan. Details were presented on Rs.24.85-crore ongoing development works.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Modi said there is a steady rise in the number of pilgrims to Somnath. There is need to develop the entire region befitting a Jyotirdham, which is as important as Jagannath Puri and Kanyakumari.

He suggested incorporating development of Golokdham where Lord Krishna left for heavenly abode, Pilgrims Centre at Ratnakar facing the Arabian Sea, water sports in Hiran River, heritage steamer, solar kitchen for hotel-restaurant and a senior citizens’ home.

Shri Advani advocated the need for developing many pilgrims centres as part of Pavitra Bharat, joining them with more religious circuits.

Two other trustees, Shri J.D. Parmar and Shri Prasannavadan Mehta, also offered their suggestions. The meeting mourned the death of another trustee Shri Vinodbhai Nevatia and passed a condolence message.