The Gujarat government, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is channelling ₹20 crore into transforming the state's coastal and island assets into world-class tourism destinations, with a focused push on eco-tourism, marine tourism, and island development. The initiative targets key coastal districts including Kutch, Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Saurashtra, leveraging Gujarat's 1,600-kilometre coastline — one of the longest in the country.

Key Developments in Marine and Island Tourism

According to the state's Tourism Department, the programme will establish dolphin eco-tourism at Bet Dwarka, turtle tourism at Okhamadhi, and dedicated marine tourism infrastructure at Narara and Pirotan. The Marine National Park, which includes Pirotan, is being developed as a flagship eco-tourism site.

Gujarat's Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said, 'There are approximately 22 islands in the Jamnagar and Dwarka regions; we have decided to develop the Marine National Park — including Pirotan — as an eco-tourism site. Additionally, there are around 680 dolphins along this coast, which could be a major attraction for tourists.'

Minister Modhwadia also noted that marine turtle breeding centres have been set up at three locations in Saurashtra. 'We also have the Gir Sanctuary, home to lions, and the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, which serves as their secondary habitat,' he added.

Coastal Areas Being Mapped for Tourism

Beyond islands, the government is working to place several Saurashtra coastal stretches — including Madhavpur, Navadra, Ghogha, and Jafrabad — on the national tourism map. Inland, the Bhat and Dhanpuri eco-tourism centres in Panchmahal district are being positioned as nature-tourism hubs, offering dense forest trails, jungle safaris, trekking, and exposure to local tribal culture.

Employment and Local Economy Impact

Officials and local stakeholders argue that marine and eco-tourism development is creating tangible economic opportunities for coastal communities. Hotelier Nirmal Samani of Dwarka said that while the town has long thrived on religious tourism, new marine and eco-tourism offerings are adding fresh value. 'Marine tourism and eco-tourism are also flourishing here. Attractions such as dolphins in the Okha coastal area, marine life in the Poshitara region, and adventure tourism — specifically water sports — have opened up numerous employment avenues,' he said.

Tourist and Expert Response

Visitors to the Bhat eco-tourism site in Panchmahal have responded positively. Meena Shah, a tourist from Vadodara, said, 'The atmosphere is wonderful; it is an ideal place for those who love being close to nature.' Fellow visitor Pradeep Shah noted that the site's proximity to the city made it especially accessible: 'The government has made excellent arrangements for those who enjoy experiencing nature.' Environmental experts have also reportedly welcomed the government's eco-tourism thrust, though independent assessments of ecological safeguards have not yet been made public.

With marine projects progressing along Gujarat's expansive coastline, the state is positioning itself as a premium nature and adventure travel destination — a significant diversification from its established religious and industrial tourism circuits.