Gandhinagar(Information): The Gujarat Islands Development Authority at its 4th meeting with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in chair here today took decisions for infrastructure development of the Bet Dwarka-Shial Bet-Pirotan Islands Belt along the seacoast as hotspot centres for nature, adventure and sports tourism.

The Gujarat Island Development Authority was set up earlier for socio-economic-tourism development of 144 islands in the state, on the lines of a similar authority at the Centre.

In all 47 projects were taken up today, including 15 in Bet Dwarka, 20 in Shial Bet and 12 in Pirotan. The Chief Minister had suggested involvement of global experts for the development of these islands at the last meeting of the Authority.

The Authority today approved Detailed Project Report to prepare Master Plan for development of Bet Dwarka for eco-tourism, water sports, marine interpretation centre, beachfront, lakefront, dolphin viewing at a cost of Rs.28.95-crore.

The Authority decided to begin process of development of Shial Bet as resort, eco park, dolphin viewing, archaeological display gallery, beachfront, water activities, etc at a cost of Rs.35.95-crore.

Plan is to upgrade ITI at Dwarka as Marine Skill Training Centre to produce manpower for these projects and provide employment to local youths. Gujarat Government’s Skill Development Mission will start courses to train guides for nature environment education, parasailing, lifeguards, boat operators, etc. This will entail faculty development, course content, technical assistance with the help of Goa-based famous National Institute of Water Sports. Manpower development for fishery was also on the agenda.