TravTalk India Online Magazine
Gujarat Tourism is on a war-footing to develop new projects and promoting them to the rest of India. After the Statue of Unity, it is the Seema Darshan project at Nada Bet that will help the state position itself for border tourism.
Hazel Jain
With only the Wagah border as one of the main spots for border tourism, there is plenty of scope to explore this segment for other states that have international borders. That is why the Seema Darshan project being developed by Gujarat Tourism, Roads & Buildings Department and the BSF holds so much importance. The project to be inaugrated soon, includes attractions such as Ajay Prahari Memorial, parade ground, exhibition Centre, and a museum.
One of the spots under this project is Nada Bet in Banaskantha district. Jenu Devan, MD, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, said that the project inaugurated in December 2016 at Nada Bet has already started receiving 4,000-5,000 visitors the weekends. The tourism department is trying to promote Nada Bet on the lines of the Wagah Border with a Retreat Ceremony and a two-three hours tour package for that area. Electric vehicles will be introduced to take the tourists up to zero point where they will be allowed to take photographs.
Whether Indian or foreigner, anyone can visit this spot. “It has tourist facilities as well as tour arrangements and tour operators are more than willing to collaborate with us for these locations. The Gujarat State Transport has showcased interest in having their buses here, ensuring better road connectivity. A selected agency will manage these facilities for the next five years,” Devan shared.
Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General – MOT, Government of India, said “The young generation needs to know India’s history, culture and heritage.It is important to flag these places to them. To take this narrative to the children, we have started connecting with the association of Indian universities that have 850 universities under its wing.” However, feedback from the tourist guides is that getting permissions to visit East Kutch and West Kutch is still a challenge. Perhaps Inner Line Permits like the North Eastern States will work here too.
