Modi unveils grand plan for Somnath

After the meeting,Advani,Modi and Minister of State for Home Amit Shah held a separate meeting to discuss various party-related issues and the ongoing state-wide agitation against fuel price hike,BJP sources said. “Like Jagannath Puri (in Orissa) and Kanyakumari (in Tamil Nadu),which have international acclaim,we need to develop Somnath in a way that it too becomes world-famous,” Modi said.

The plan includes development of the temple premises,the Ratnakar beach where it is situated and other infrastructural projects,Modi said.

The plan could also include water sports in the nearby Hiran river,a restaurant on a heritage steamer,solar kitchen for pilgrims,mid-day meals and old-age homes for senior citizens,the CM said.

City-based Centre for Environment Planning and Technology (CEPT) University gave a presentation on the plan to the trust members.

During the meeting,Patel gave details of the development projects undertaken by the trust. He also presented the progress report of the projects worth Rs 24.85 crore which are under way to provide various facilities to the pilgrims.

During the meeting,the trustees also extended the Patel’s term,which ends in July. Advani proposed that Patel should continue as chairman of the Trust,which was supported by the other members.