Junagadh welcomes Rs 600-crore sop, but with mixed feelings

Junagadh welcomes Rs 600-crore sop, but with mixed feelings
Sibte Husain Bukhari Posted online: Thursday , Jul 02, 2009 at 2345 hrs

Junagadh : The Rs 600-crore budgetary allocation for the development of tourism in Junagadh district has brought cheers to the people in the district. The business community is guarded in its response to the move; but on the political front, the Congress has called it a political gimmick ahead of the Junagadh Municipal Corporation (JMC) elections.
The district possesses dozens of important tourist places that enjoy historical, religious and architectural importance. Apart from that, infrastructure development, which includes upgradation of coastal road connecting Dwarka-Porbander–Junagadh circuit, development
of three small ports, expansion of Junagadh Agriculture University, new water supply schemes and other related things, will be accommodated in the development project.
Kanubhai Domadiya, president, Junagadh Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, said, “Any development is welcome. I hope
the budget will certainly bring changes here and put Junagadh on the country’s tourism map.”
Businessman Lalji Mavani has welcomed the state government’s move. But he also expressed doubt about it, “Our past experience says that such announcements remain on paper only.”