Bhuj: Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia on Tuesday inaugurated the Vibrant Kutch District-Level Programme at Gandhidham in Kutch. As part of the Vibrant Kutch initiative, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹8,500 crore were signed with a total of 334 MSME units.

Inaugurating the programme at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Convention Centre, Gandhidham, Modhwadia said, “The resilient people of Kutch have endured several natural calamities and transformed the region into a centre of development. With the government’s vision and the indomitable spirit of Kutchis, Kutch has emerged as an industrial hub. Under the farsighted leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kutch stands as a shining example of how a region can be transformed. The challenges of Kutch were converted into opportunities, resulting in unprecedented development.”

He added that once plagued by issues such as water scarcity and unemployment, Kutch today provides employment opportunities to people from other states. “Under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Kutch has surged ahead in tourism, agriculture and industrial development. The district has become a renewable energy hub and currently handles nearly 40 per cent of the country’s cargo,” the minister said.

Calling upon investors, Modhwadia said Kutch has the potential to become a major centre for electronic component PCB manufacturing, green hydrogen, data centres and the blue economy in the coming years.

Speaking on development initiatives, he noted, “Transforming challenges into opportunities is central to the Prime Minister’s vision. From developing vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic to emerging as a global vaccine hub, India has demonstrated its capability. Similarly, by overcoming challenges in semiconductors and electronic components, India is set to become self-reliant and a global leader.”

The minister further said that to realise the dream of a developed India, self-reliance across sectors is essential. Highlighting Kutch’s vast potential, he urged investors to contribute to wealth creation in the region. Emphasising future-focused sectors, he said, “With AI, quantum technology and biotechnology shaping the future, Gujarat has established advanced research centres and centres of excellence. Kutch is currently witnessing its golden period.” He also stressed “sustainable development” and environmental conservation, calling for the creation of world-class nurseries and greater industry participation reminding to increase green cover in Kutch.

Higher and Technical Education Minister Trikambhai Chhanga, in his address, said that the Vibrant Gujarat initiative began when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was Chief Minister and has now reached the district level. He congratulated the Kutch district administration and local entrepreneurs for successfully organising the programme. He added that infrastructure growth, industrial expansion, technological advancement and port development have led to reverse migration in Kutch.

Recalling renowned Kutch artisan Pabiben, the minister said that once dependent on handicrafts and cottage industries, Kutch is now emerging as an industrial hub. “Through Vibrant initiatives, investments worth crores are flowing into Kutch, creating significant employment opportunities,” he said, urging citizens and industrialists to balance economic growth with ethical values and social development.

Kachchh–Morbi MP Vinod Chavda said that the long-term vision of the Prime Minister laid the foundation for Vibrant Gujarat, benefiting Kutch through rapid growth in ports, minerals, chemicals and other sectors. “Kutch is the only district in Gujarat blessed with the confluence of desert, sea and hills. Due to the Chief Minister’s continuous efforts, Kutch has become a leader in agriculture, industry and tourism,” he said, appealing to youth entrepreneurs and investors to join the Vibrant programme in line with the Make in India and Local for Vocal vision.

Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority, S.K. Singh, said that Gujarat—and particularly Kutch—will play a key role in the vision of a developed India. Highlighting its strategic location and connectivity, he said Kutch is leading in green hydrogen and shipbuilding, and urged investors to participate in the upcoming Green Hydrogen Park.

Kutch Collector Anand Patel said that Vibrant Gujarat, once sown as a seed, has now grown into a banyan tree. “District-level Vibrant programmes, along with regional conferences, will provide new direction to industrial development. Once considered remote, Kutch has now become a land of opportunity,” he said.

Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce President Mahesh Punj said that under the Prime Minister’s development vision, Kutch is advancing rapidly in renewable energy, green hydrogen, ports, chemicals, minerals and tourism, and thanked the Chief Minister for creating growth opportunities in the region.

DP World Director Parag Kochar highlighted the importance of the blue economy and said Kutch offers immense potential for port-led development, also sharing information on India Mart. Kirri Industries’ Manish Kirri said Kutch is emerging as Gujarat’s economic powerhouse, with sectors such as green hydrogen, digital infrastructure, seawater utilisation, agriculture and advanced marine chemicals making it an attractive destination for investors.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Kutch Management Association President Tejabhai Kangad.

The Vibrant Kutch District Programme saw Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce as the event partner and Deendayal Port Trust as the venue partner, while FOKIA and Kutch Management Association joined as knowledge partners. District Panchayat President Janaksinh Jadeja, MLAs Keshubhai Patel, Maltiben Maheshwari, Pradyumansinh Jadeja and Aniruddhabhai Dave, former Speaker Dr Nimaben Acharya, former Kutch SP Sagar Bagmar, Gandhidham Commissioner Manish Gurwani, GRIIT Joint CEO Stuti Charan, ARM Ashish Dhaniya, Joint Commissioner of Industries Kanak Der, along with a large number of industrialists and students, were present on the occasion. DeshGujaart