Dang to spend Rs 16.60 crore to build tourism infrastructure

SURAT: Tourism activity in the tribal-dominated Dang district is set to get a major boost with the district administration preparing a development plan of Rs 16.60 crore.
Major thrust has been given on beautification and infrastructural development at Gujarat's only hill station, Saputara, and Don hill station bordering Maharashtra. Destinations like Gira Falls, Ahwa and certain interior villages in Dang would be developed for the tourists.
With a view to popularize Don hill station, the administration plans to organize a fortnight long 'Don Mahotsav' from February 7. The tourists would be able to witness the pristine beauty of the hill station and enjoy the tribal cuisine and their traditional songs.
Don is situated at an altitude of around 1,005 metres, and has a climate that remains pleasant throughout the year. It has a population of around 1,200 and is rich in bio-diversity.
Dangs administration has also planned a sports festival at Saputara for the tourists. Adventure sports activities including zorbing, paragliding and boat racing would be its main attraction.
"At Saputara, tourists stay for less than a day because of lack of tourism-related activities in the hill station. The focus of Rs 16.60 crore tourism development plan would be to keep the tourists engaged in the district for three days. The tourists must explore Dangs district as a whole. This will not only increase tourism in Saputara, but will also give an opportunity to the locals to earn," says district collector Jaiprakash Shivhare.
He said the district administration has asked Saputara Notified Authority (SNA) to keep aside a sum of Rs 4 crore for infrastructural development. Beautification of Mall Road, development of religious trails, road widening, garden and parks and launch of adventure sports and camping site among other things have been planned. Most importantly, facilities for drinking water and public toilets too have been planned at Saputara for the tourists.
"We are planning a lot of activities like trekking, camp fire, rock climbing etc. We will be engaging tribal artists from Dang to perform. The famous Dangi cuisine will also be served to the tourists," Shivhare said.