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CM reviews works being done at ‘Smrutivan’, memorial of victims of earthquake-2001, at Bhuj

Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Vijaybhai Rupani today expressed determination to develop ‘Smrutivan’, which is being developed in memory of victims of devastating massive earthquake of year-2001 that had claimed nearly 13,800 lives, as an international tourist spot at historical Bhujiya Dungar near Bhuj in Kutch district of the state.

The Smurtivan is being developed over 470 acre of land plot with tourist friendly and senior citizen friendly amenities under the supervision of the Smrutivan Society. After reviewing the facilities being developed there, Mr. Rupani made suggestions that amenities such as water huts, food courts, toilet blocks, parking areas and others should be developed to ensure that visiting tourists don’t face any inconveniences. For the development of the first phase, Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) has given grant of Rs. 155-crore.

Chief Minister also suggested that the proposed museum should be developed in such a way that the tourists can have first-hand experience of cultural heritage of Kutch and its situation at the time of devastated earthquake. He further suggested that the project should generate employments for local youths and a special arrangement should be made for visiting school students’ groups. He also emphasize on making maximum forestation in coordination with social organizations and NGOs.

So far, boundary walls, lakes, Sun-point, Path-ways, amenities box, pose points, gates, cabins, and eye-pleasing landscapes have been developed at the Smrutivan. Mr. Rupani also reviewed the restoration works of historical fortress walls of Bhujiya Dungar and ordered to expedite its completion.

So far, Rs. 77.38-Cr has been spent for development of lakes, plantation point, pathways, land scape, and plumbing. Similarly, Rs. 5.86-Cr for making boundary walls around dungar in two phases, and Rs. 1.32-Cr for restoration of Fort-walls.

The review meeting was also graced by Revenue Minister Mr. Kaushikbhai Patel, Minister of State Mr. Vasanbhai Ahir, Member of Parliament Mr. Vinodbhai Chavda, MLAs Dr. Neemaben Acharya, Mrs. Malatiben Maheshwari, and Mr. Virendrasinh Jadeja, and others.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat