The Gujarat government has approved development works worth ₹133.41 crore across 10 religious, heritage, and tourism sites in the state, covering projects from temple reconstruction and pilgrim amenities to rooftop solar installation and tourism infrastructure in the Greater Gir region. The approvals were granted by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi as part of the state's broader push to upgrade facilities at pilgrimage and tourist destinations.

Key Allocations Across Districts

The single largest outlay — ₹46.91 crore — has been earmarked for the 'Iconic Development of Greater Gir Project', aimed at tourism-oriented infrastructure across multiple locations in the Gir region. The second-largest allocation of ₹35 crore has been sanctioned for the holistic development of Shri Vardayini Mataji Temple at Rupal in Gandhinagar district, with a focus on enhanced pilgrim facilities.

At Kesardi village in Bavla taluka of Ahmedabad district, an administrative approval of ₹21.75 crore has been granted for the reconstruction of Shri Jodhalpir Temple and associated development works on the temple premises. The 'Govardhan Parvat Development Project' at Anjar in Kutch district has received ₹12.98 crore to improve the site and visitor experience.

Smaller Projects Spanning Six More Districts

At Analgadh Fort and Mahakali Mataji Temple in Gondal taluka of Rajkot district, ₹5.06 crore has been sanctioned for development around the historic fort and temple complex. The Shri Unai Mataji Temple complex at Vansda in Navsari district will receive ₹5.03 crore for comprehensive works, including the Shri Ramchandra and Hanuman temples, a circumambulation path, entrance gate, landscaping, compound wall, sump, cultural hall, dining hall, and library.

In Bhadarva of Vadodara district, ₹3.31 crore has been approved for basic facilities along the Mahisagar River near Chehar Mataji Temple, covering a ghat, walkway, paver blocks, railings, and landscaping. At Shri Valinath Mahadev Temple in Tarabh, Visnagar, Mehsana district, ₹2.68 crore has been approved for electrification works, including a 100-kilowatt rooftop solar system — a notable green-energy addition to a religious site.

Micro-Scale Works at Two More Temples

₹50 lakh has been approved for basic infrastructure at Shri Mahakali Mataji Temple — locally known as Mini Pavagadh — at Umrecha in Satlasana taluka of Mehsana district. Works include high-mast poles, street lights, lighting wiring, open drainage, and kerb beams. At Shri Gora Ramji Mandir in Dharampur, Valsad district, ₹18.91 lakh (including taxes) has been sanctioned for repair and renovation, covering the first floor and roof, plastering, painting, GI sheet work, and flooring.

Broader Context and What It Signals

The approvals span eight districts — Rajkot, Vadodara, Kutch, Mehsana, Valsad, Navsari, Ahmedabad, and Gandhinagar — along with the Greater Gir tourism corridor. This comes amid Gujarat's sustained effort to position itself as a leading spiritual and heritage tourism destination, with state tourism authorities increasingly focusing on improving visitor infrastructure alongside promoting natural and cultural attractions. Notably, the inclusion of a rooftop solar system at a temple site reflects a convergence of religious tourism investment with renewable energy goals. The projects are intended to improve basic visitor facilities and generate local tourism-linked employment opportunities.