Report on Dholavira Casino Bar false, no such plan:Minister
Ahmedabad, DeshGujarat, 2 July, 2010

Gujarat govt spokesperson and commerce minister Saurabh Patel has denied news report about setting up casino zone near Dholavira in Kutch district of Gujarat. The minister said, the state government has no intention to set up casino zone anywhere in the state.

He added that, a blue print for infrastructure in Gujarat -2010 announced by Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board includes possible projects under entertainment, leisure, entertainment and business tourism categories. This does not mean that Gujarat govt has approved, agreed or thought about project like casino zone. Casino zone or any similar project do not include in Blue Print for Infrastructure in Gujarat – 2010.

In connection with a news report on setting up bar in Gujarat, the minister clarified government stand on liquor prohibition, and said there no question of allowing such activity in any part of Gujarat. Liquor prohibition is steady long standing policy. He added that Blue print for infrastructure in Gujarat -2010 documents clearly state that whatever theme project or activities will take place, they will take place in limit of state’s existing laws.

It should be mentioned that on Thursday, the Gujarat edition of Times of India published a front page eight column report about government’s intention of opening casino near Dholavira similar to Las Vegas in the U.S. Based on this report, several Gujarati dailies published it further.