Gandhinagar, Sep 19 (NationPress) Dhordo in Kutch, honored as a 'Best Tourism Village' by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), has now emerged as Gujarat's fourth completely solar-powered village, following Modhera (Mehsana), Sukhi (Kheda), and Masali (Banaskantha).

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially launch the initiative during the 'Samudra Se Samriddhi' program in Bhavnagar, as stated by an official announcement.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, all 81 homes in Dhordo have been equipped with rooftop solar panels, boasting a total capacity of 177 kW.

This project is anticipated to produce approximately 2.95 lakh units of electricity yearly, providing the village with energy independence. Each household is expected to save and earn around Rs 16,064 annually from lower electricity costs and the sale of excess energy, translating to a communal benefit exceeding Rs 13 lakh per year.

Dhordo Sarpanch Miyan Husen expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting that the government's financial support and bank loans rendered the installation nearly free for locals. 'This border village has already experienced considerable progress under Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Now, with solar rooftops on every home, electricity bills will plummet, and residents are genuinely thrilled,' he remarked.

In addition, PM Modi will visit Gujarat to evaluate the development of the ambitious National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) being constructed in Lothal, Ahmedabad district. This initiative, envisioned as a fusion of heritage, education, research, and tourism, is projected to cost around Rs 4,500 crore.

Lothal, once a vital trading center of the Indus Valley Civilisation and the site of one of the earliest dockyards, is being transformed into a global hub that showcases India’s rich maritime heritage.

The NMHC aligns with PM Modi’s vision of 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi' (Heritage with Development), revitalizing ancient seafaring traditions through state-of-the-art technology and immersive experiences. The complex will feature 14 galleries that illustrate India’s maritime history from the Harappan era to the present day, along with a pavilion for coastal states, four themed parks, and a recreation of Harappan architecture and lifestyle.