Gujarat: Ekta Nagar emerges as global model for green tourism, 6 million trees planted in 5 years
Ahmedabad, June 5
Ekta Nagar, a planned tourism hub built around the iconic Statue of Unity in Narmada district, has emerged as a global hotspot for green tourism due to the preservation of greenery and eco-friendly zones in its vicinity.
Amid World Environment Day celebrations, the region's economic viability and rich tourism prospects come back into focus on the back of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to develop it as an "electric vehicle only zone".
The goal set by the Prime Minister was not just an announcement but a national pledge towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The pledge was made five years ago, and today this resolve seems to be bearing fruit. The Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Regulatory Authority worked in 'mission mode' through the years to realise the Prime Minister's vision.
This initiative has achieved remarkable success, and Ekta Nagar has gained global recognition as a model for 'Green Tourism and Sustainable Development.'
Over the past five years, the Statue of Unity Authority has facilitated the operation of approximately 459 electric vehicles. Around 60 lakh trees have been planted, including 2.25 lakh Keshuda trees, 2 lakh Krishna Kamal plants, 30 trees across various eco-tourism projects, and 15 lakh trees planted along roadside areas.
Amit Arora, CEO of the Statue of Unity, told IANS, "It was on June 5, 2021, that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for Ekta Nagar to be developed into a pollution-free green city. Since then, the administration of the Statue of Unity has undertaken numerous initiatives in this direction. Our endeavor has been to provide tourists from India and abroad with an experience of green and sustainable tourism, allowing them to connect with nature and enjoy a clean, eco-friendly tourist destination."
He further stated, "The area surrounding the Statue of Unity has been developed as an EV zone. Electric vehicles have been introduced by the Narmada Statue of Unity Authority. Under the Ekta Nagar greening project, special emphasis has been placed on roadside beautification and enhancing the area's appeal. A solar power plant with a capacity of over 5.5 MW has been installed here. Additionally, a Miyawaki forest, a Valley of Flowers, and a Bonsai garden have been developed to attract more tourists."
The emergence of Ekta Nagar as a world-class tourism destination showcases the outcome of an articulately planned and time-bound roadmap for its growth as a key hub of green tourism.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I hope the local villagers are also benefiting from this tourism boom. Often big projects like these focus on visitors but forget the people who lived there before. Would like to see more details on local employment and community development.
Impressive numbers! 459 electric vehicles and a 5.5 MW solar plant is serious commitment. As someone who works in sustainability, this is the kind of integrated approach we need more of in India. Miyawaki forests and Valley of Flowers concept is brilliant for biodiversity.
Great to see Indian tourism going green! But I wonder about maintenance - 60 lakh trees need regular watering and care, especially in Gujarat's climate. Hope they have a proper plan for sustaining this over decades, not just planting and forgetting. 🌱
This is exactly what India needs - development without destroying nature. The EV-only zone concept is visionary. India can become a global leader in sustainable tourism if more destinations adopt this model. Well done to all involved! 🇮🇳
I'm a farmer from a nearby district and I've seen the change firsthand. The air feels cleaner near the statue now compared to five years ago. More trees means better monsoon patterns too. Hope they include more native species in future planting drives. 🍃
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