Surat: Groundbreaking for Rs. 174.22 crore Dumas beach tourism development project phase-1 was performed on Sunday. Dumas is the beach closer to the city of Surat, the second largest city of Gujarat.

Dumas, a famous sea tourism destination in the city, is going to be transformed into an eco-tourism park under this project. The park at Dumas beach is planned to cover an area of about 10 hectares, with an estimated cost of Rs. 600 crore. The foundation stone for the works under Package-1, Zone-1 Urban Zone Eco Tourism Park development, was laid. The phase-1 involves Rs. 174.22 crores cost. The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Lok Sabha MP C.R. Patil and Kanubhai Desai, Minister of Finance, Power, and Petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat.

The project is divided into four zones: (1) Zone-1 Urban Zone; (2) Zone-2 Public Space—Eco Zone; (3) Zone-3 Forest—Eco-Tourism and Wellness Facility; and (4) Zone-4 Redevelopment of Dumas Port and Jetties and Yacht Zone. The development of this scenic natural theme park/eco-tourism park will be carried out in phases over the next four to five years. Currently, Zone-1 is slated for development in two packages.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Sandeep Desai said that Dumas is a weekend getaway for the 75 lakh population of Surat city. He commended the efforts of C.R. Patil and highlighted the Rs. 600 crore project under Surat Municipal Corporation, with the first phase being finalized.

He also mentioned that several other work-in-progress projects, including Dumas Sea Face, Railway Station, Tapi River Front, Tapi Barrage, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) Iconic Building, Metro, and Bullet Train, contribute to Surat’s development. Sandeep Desai expressed optimism about Surat and stated that,  it will become the most developed city in the country within the next five years.

SMC Commissioner Shalini Agarwal added that the development of Dumas sea face in Surat will establish a new dimension in sea face development, not only in Gujarat but in the entire country. She envisioned it becoming a beautiful place for the people of Surat and surrounding areas, attracting visitors from Gujarat and neighbouring states.

Speaking on the occasion, SMC Mayor Dakseshbhai Mavani said that this place will become a unique tourism spot in the world.

During this programme, Minister of Finance, Energy, and Petrochemicals of Gujarat, Kanubhai Desai, said that India has become the 5th largest economy in the world, and by 2027, PM Narendrabhai Modi aims to elevate India to the 3rd largest economy.

Furthermore, Kanubhai Desai emphasised that the ongoing development in India extends to the assured progress of Surat. Encouraging active participation in this development over the next 5 years, he highlighted specific projects like the Tapi River Front and the construction of large iconic buildings. Desai expressed confidence that if Suart does not become the most developed city, it will surely becomes biggest city in the world. He urged everyone to contribute to the development of Surat city.

Speaking at the event, Lok Sabha MP and state BJP chief C. R. Patil mentioned the successful realisation of efforts to create an eco-tourism park that promises entertainment for tourists from Surat city and beyond. He also stated that efforts are being made to promptly commence work on the remaining phases of this project. Patil also provided updates on ongoing development initiatives in Surat city. “Surat has earned recognition among the top ten fastest-growing cities globally, and within this elite list, it’s likely that Surat holds the first position,” he added. DeshGujarat