Narmada dam is tourism hot spot

The controversial Narmada dam site has emerged as a major tourist destination over the last few years, with more than 11 lakh people visiting the site during the last 18 months.

In view of this, Sardar Sarovar Nigam Ltd (SSNL) is going ahead with its plans to develop the area as an eco-tourism site.

SSNL's tourism department will shortly launch ad campaigns to promote the eco-tourism project.

Talking to Business Standard, R V Gajjar, executive engineer, tourism, Sardar Sarovar Nigam Ltd, said, "From June 2005 to December 31, 2006, as many as 11 lakh people visited the site. Though most of them were local tourists, more than 10 per cent of the visitors were from other states. The number of tourists from other states will increase once the proposed eco-tourism project over 84 hectares in Kevadia is completed."

As part of the project, BSEL Infrastructure and Realty Ltd of Mumbai are developing Narmada Nihar, a budget hotel with 150 rooms. There are more than 15 sub-projects lined up at the site, he added.

On an average, around 3,000 people on weekdays and around 15,000 on weekends visit the place.

"The eco-tourism project is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 160 crore. The project includes facilities for water and adventure sports. We have already invited tenders from interested private players to develop the site," Gajjar said.

The master plan for the project has been developed by the chief town planner of Baroda Urban Development Authority (Buda) and the chief town planner of Gandhinagar. Buda and its executive engineers have submitted the final draft to the nodal agency and is likely to get the approval soon.

"We have made sure that the natural resources are not disturbed by the concrete infrastructure. The buildings and the infrastructure will be developed in a balanced manner," he said.

Gajjar added that the project officials had recruited three experienced trekking instructors.

"Till now, about 6,000 people have enjoyed trekking here. Moreover, we have developed an orientation centre which exhibits the history of the dam as well as the Narmada region. It will be inaugurated soon."

The project is part of a larger plan to develop 16 villages surrounding the dam site. The government has identified these villages, which are to be developed by the Narmada Valley Development Authority.

"A number of private players has shown interest in the 84 hectare eco-tourism project. BSEL, which is developing the Narmada Nihar, wanted to acquire the whole piece of land," said Ashok Gajjar, deputy engineer, SSNL.