RAJKOT: The Mokarsagar wetland in Porbandar district which is home to several migratory birds will be developed as eco-tourism site at the cost of Rs 200 crore.
The announcement was made by the Gujarat minister for water supply and water resource Kunvarji Bavaliya on Wednesday on the occasion of World Water Day in Porbandar.
According to Bavaliya, the eco-tourism project will help reduce degradation because of seawater.
Talking to the media persons, Bavaliya said, “The state government is working on the projects to make the land fertile. At the same time, we are also developing important wetlands like Mokarsagar as an eco-tourism site.”
The Mokarsagar wetland in Porbandar is home to over 90 bird species. Several migratory birds visit the wetland every year. Bavaliya said that the water resource and water supply department will develop an interpretation centre, watch tower, approach roads and other necessary infrastructure there.
The eco-tourism site will become an added attraction for tourists travelling on Saurashtra’s tourism circuit — Somnath, Madhupur, Porbandar and Dwarka, said the minister adding that it will also generate employment for the locals.
According to the official data, this year 5.70 lakh birds visited various wetlands in Porbandar district out of which 1.13 lakh birds were spotted in Mokarsagar wetland.
Once developed, the eco-tourism site will also facilitate researchers and anthropologists in their studies.
