Himmatnagar, March 11 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, on Wednesday, inaugurated and laid the groundwork for 1,999 development initiatives totaling approximately Rs 72 crore in Navlapur village, alongside the unveiling of the cutting-edge Tropic of Cancer Science Park located in Salal, within the Sabarkantha district.

During his address to officials and local residents, the Chief Minister underscored that the Gujarat government possesses ample resources for advancing development projects.

“When governmental tasks are approached with a sense of ownership, the resulting quality and durability significantly enhance,” he asserted, encouraging both officials and the community to treat public works with personal accountability.

Characterizing Navlapur as a 'model of rural development', he remarked, “The village leadership, from the sarpanch to all members, is exclusively composed of women, exemplifying remarkable women's empowerment.”

He pointed out that the village has embraced modern amenities such as water meters and a fully solar-powered system, implementing the concept of a ‘Samras village’.

Regarding the district's health achievements, the Chief Minister highlighted that the ‘Lalan-Palan’ initiative aimed at underweight pregnant women and the programs targeting Type-1 diabetes in children have garnered the district the esteemed 'SKOCH Award' for excellence, a source of pride for Sabarkantha.

The Tropic of Cancer Science Park, constructed at a cost of Rs eight crore over an area of 5,930 square meters in Salal, was inaugurated to emphasize the geographical and astronomical importance of the Tropic of Cancer.

“This park features a Tropic of Cancer tower, a sundial, and an infographic exhibition hall, aimed at nurturing scientific thinking among children,” he noted.

Developed under the auspices of the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), the park aspires to become a center for education and research, catering to students, educators, researchers, and the general populace.

The park will provide an interactive platform to explore Earth-Sun relationships, seasonal transitions, and associated scientific phenomena.

Education Minister Dr. Pradyuman Vaja commended Navlapur as a ‘Samras, Swachh, and Solar’ village, stating, “The Science Park will become a vibrant center of science for future generations.”

He added that the successful implementation of the ‘Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana’ has resulted in a 19% increase in students opting for the science stream, highlighting the construction of 26 new classrooms in the district at a cost of Rs 5.18 crore as a significant step towards enhancing grassroots education.

District Panchayat President Bharati Patel remarked, “Navlapur has emerged as a model of development through the collaboration of government and society.”

Prantij-Talod MLA Gajendrasinh Parmar described the village's initiatives, including the Gobar (cow dung) Bank and the total shift to solar energy, as exemplary measures in women's empowerment and sustainable development.

Himmatnagar MLA V. D. Zala mentioned that government programs such as 'Sujalam Sufalam' have effectively tackled water scarcity and contributed to transforming the district into a greener area.

The inauguration also encompassed transport initiatives valued at Rs 13.90 crore and administrative works worth Rs 36.67 crore.