GANDHINAGAR, May 11: Lord Krishna's town, Dwarka will not be the same again, once an ambitious multi-crore plan is implemented as per a draft proposal.

The plan has been presented to the State Government on April 25 and is under active consideration of the government. Highly placed sources told The Indian Express that in all likelihood, the State, which is very keen to increase tourist traffic to religious and historical places and for the nature and wild life sites in Gujarat, will give green signal to this project.

It is learnt that Dilip Parikh, Minister for tourism, who had attended the presentation of the project alongwith senior officers of concerned department has shown his interest in the project for developing Dwarka with all necessary infrastructures.

Washed by green waters of the Arabian sea, Dwarka, poised on the edge of Saurashtra peninsula is one of the four most sacred dhams for the Hindus and draws thousands of pilgrims throughout the year who come to pay offerings at Dwarkadheesh temple which is more than 25,00 years old. It also proudly possessed Sharda Peeth, set by Adishankaracharya in the eighth century to spread Sanatan Dharma and propagate Hinduism in the continent.

Another major attraction for tourists with interest in history is Bet Dwarka which is buried deep under the sea water and is a major site for marine exploration. Historical facts apart, It is believed that Dwarka had plunged into sea soon after Lord Krishna renounced this world. Krishna had set up his place at Bet while his capital was in Dwarka. Bet is about 35 Km from Dwarka.

The high level meeting chaired by the Tourism Minister had found that such an important tourist center and pilgrimage of high value is devoid of very basic facilities.

As per the study, Dwarka does not have enough number of rooms for tourists. There are some hotels, guest houses and dharam shalas but are not adequate to take care of rush. The transport and communication is also very poor and there is no guidance for the tourists coming from other states and countries.

The proposal is for atleast four good middle class hotels in Dwarka. Site selection for these Hotels is on and private parties are being invited for setting up hotels. There is also a scheme to encourage paying guest system in Dwarka so that visiting families can stay at reasonable rates. House owners who have spare rooms will be encouraged to join the paying guest schemes.

Despite major hype attached to Dwarka as the holy city of Krishna, the town wears a barren look with few trees. The project includes a proposal for a major afforestation programme.

The Dwrakdheesh temple will be illuminated to make it fascinating during nights. Large number of DG sets will also be provided to meet the electricity requirement of town.

Another major scheme under the project is to build an overbridge between Bet Dwarka and Dwarka. These places are presently connected only by ferry services and boats. The overbridge will cut down the travel time and also help developing Bet Dwarka site rapidly.

Private bus operators will be involved for improving transport facilities to Dwarka from all major towns of Gujarat. State Transport Corporation will extend the required support.There is a proposal to set up a Museum at Dwarka to keep all major finds of the marine exploration going on there for a number of years. The Museum will be kept under the technical supervision of famous marine archaeologist Dr Rao.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.