The state government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a private tour operator at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which would enable tourists visiting Lord Krishna temple at Okha in Devbhumi Dwarka watch dolphins while sailing on board a luxury cruise off Okha coast.
The MoU was signed on Thursday between Akshar Travels Private Limited (ATPL) and the forest department.
Nityananda Srivastava, principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) and chief wildlife warden of Gujarat told The Indian Express on Friday: “We have almost finalised the dos and don’ts of this marine tourism project, which will highlight marine diversity of Gujarat, afford tourists opportunities to watch dolphins in their natural marine habitat and create employment opportunities.”
Srivastava said ATPL, the Ahmedabad-based tour operator, will invest around Rs 20 crore in the project. He added that ATPL is already operating Akshar River Cruise, a floating restaurant in Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad.
The ATPL said that it sees business potential in the proposal. ATPL Director Suhag Modi said that the project will be operationalised over the next one-and-a-half years. “Our target is to launch the trips in 15 to 17 months, depending on circumstances and clearances, as the waters of Okha coast are part of Marine National Park and hence, a protected area,” he added.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
First uploaded on: 13-01-2024 at 04:04 IST
