Bet Dwarka Dwarkadheesh Mandir Jamnagar

Bet Dwarka which is one of the most popular tourist attractions near the Dwarkadheesh temple in Jamnagar district is all set to be developed along the lines of the stunningly beautiful beach resorts in Malaysia.

Malaysia has developed several of its islands into exotic tourist resorts to boost the country’s tourism scene. The picturesque beaches there attract thousands of visitors, both local and foreign every year.

Now, Bet Dwarka, believed to be the original abode of Lord Krishna according to the archaeological ruins excavated here, is poised to become the tourism hotspot of the state. The Bet Island is famous for its marine life as people throng here to watch the dolphins, porpoises, sea turtles and starfish.

Located nearly 30 kms away from Dwarka town, the island does not have hotels and resorts as of now. So, pilgrims and visitors who spend time at the beaches here manage their stay in the hotels in the town.

Now, the state government proposes to develop eco resorts here besides planting trees and developing mangrove plantations.

According to sources in the state tourism department, the Bet Island will have an ocean park like the one in Hong Kong, a marine attraction similar to Dolphin Cove in Jamaica and several water sporting activities.

The central and the state government plan to develop a National Coral Marine Zone (similar to the one in Australia) here.

A camping site will also be developed at Sundarvan, a nature discovery center in Bet Dwarka.

The island, also known as Bet Shankhodhar, will have a giant statue of Lord Krishna.

The Bet has 31 temples and several mosques and gurudwaras. Other important attractions in the Bet are Hanuman Dandi and the Padmeshwar Mahadev Temple, where state government is planning to develop a sunset point for visitors.

As per Latest Tourism Minister Jaynarayan Vyas Interviews, he said that, “The blueprint of Bet Dwarka development project is ready. The makeover of the island will be done in public-private partnership. Central government is also helping us develop the island. The project is expected to be completed by December next year.”

Saurashtra's 900 cr diamond industry wants more security

RAJKOT: The entire diamond industry of Saurashtra was in a state of mourning over the blasts in Mumbai on Wednesday. The industry was aggrieved as one of the victims in the serial blasts was diamond trader Bhupat Navadia (45), a native of Umarda village in Gandhda taluka of Bhavnagar. His last rites were performed at Umarda village on Friday in the presence of hundreds of people.
Navadia had an office on the the first floor of Prasad Chamber and lived on Mira Road in Mumbai. He was was on his way to meet his friends when the blast at Opera House left him dead. The deceased's body was brought to his native village for the final rites.
The serial blasts in Mumbai has shaken the diamond traders in Bhavnagar. They have demanded that they be given security. Saurashtra's diamond industry is worth Rs 900 crore and provides employment to over 3 lakh people in the diamond cutting and polishing business, said traders, adding that major diamond units are located in Bhavnagar and Amreli districts.

"There are about 2,200 diamond polishing units in Bhavnagar district. They provide employment to around 2 lakh people. We have been demanding more security at our trading centres. We also want the state government to bring the import and export business to Gujarat from Mumbai," president of Bhavnagar Diamond Association Vithal Mendapara said.
"Surat and Saurashtra have an immense potential for diamond import and export business," he added.
"The diamond business provides a sustainable livelihood to even families of farmers. There is a great future for diamond industry in Saurashtra. The state government should create an atmosphere of security so as to help the industry flourish," president of Amreli Diamond Association Lalit Thummar said.
Thummar said there are 1,450 diamond polishing units in Amreli district. They provide employment to over 60,000 people in the district.

Jul 15 2011 : Times of India.

Now, Surat MJP chief rejoins BJP

Tue Jul 12 2011, 03:39 hrs Surat: 

After Saurashtra, Surat was considered a stronghold of the fledgling Mahagujarat Janta Party comprising BJP renegades. But the exodus back to the parent party from MJP ranks has begun here as well.


Surat city MJP president Arvind Rana rejoined the BJP at a function here on Sunday evening.



His resignation came close on the heels of Saurashtra MLA Balu Tanti who rejoined the BJP a week ago. Rana was the chairman of standing committee and town planning committee in the civic body during his stint with the BJP.


Previously, MJP leaders Ranjit Chimna, Nalin Kadiwala and Hasmukh Jogani had rejoined the BJP.



Rana, who lost the civic polls on an MJP ticket by 2,400 votes said: “We did a lot of hard work and spent sleepless nights during elections, but achieved nothing. The wave is in favour of the BJP. People came to our public meetings to show their support, but voted for the BJP in the elections.”