Gujarat CM inaugurates Rann Utsav 2015-16 at Dhordo

Bhuj

Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today said that there has been a steady increase in the number of tourists to Gujarat owing to the State Government’s proactive tourism policy.

Speaking at a function to mark the inauguration of newly constructed Bhunga, traditional houses with thatched roof, in Kutch for tourists attending the Rann Utsav, she said the winter festival started in 2005 in the vast stretches of white sands near the Great Rann of Kucth has become world famous.

She said the government is keen to make the Bhungas comfortable and yet affordable. She said that Gujarat is home to numerous historic, religious and cultural sites for tourists. The tourism policy pursued by the state government for the last ten years has created jobs. The new tourism policy of 2015 has made it more affordable for senior citizens, housewives, farmers and students.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by ministerial colleagues and prominent citizens, took round of the newly built Bhungas. They later watched a variety entertainment programme befitting the occasion.

Nearly 400 children studying in border area schools in police-like uniforms presented a guard of honour to the Chief Minister.

Tourism Minister Saurabh Patel said the State Government has for the first time accorded industry status to tourism under the leadership of Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, as part of her slogan for Gatisheel Gujarat.

Others present on the occasion included Ministers Vasuben Trivedi, Nanabhai Vanani, Jayesh Radadiya, Parliamentary Secretary Vasanbhai Ahir, Tourism Department Chairman Kamlesh Patel, MP Vinod Chavda, MLAs Nimaben Acharya, Rameshbhai Maheshwari, Pankajbhai Mehta, Varshaben Doshi, Bhanuben Babariya, Vibhaben Dave, Tourism Secretary S.J. Haider, Mr. N. Shrivastava, Gopalak Nigam Chairman Arjunbhai Rabari, District Panchayat President Kaushalyaben, District Collector Mahendrabhai Patel and Dordo Sarpanch Husain Miyan.

– Information