Gujarat Ecology Commission’s Survey Of 19 Coastal Spots Rings Alarm

Gandhinagar: Coastal tourism in Gujarat is proving to be a non-starter. More than the economic downturn, the main reason for this is the gross mismanagement of numerous beaches dotting the state’s huge coastline of 1,600 km. Experts who carried out a recent study of 19 major beaches along the state’s coastline have taken strong exception to complete mismanagement on the part of authorities towards the development of coastal tourism. The study is featured in a book which was released recently by the Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC).

After the state government restricted fresh issuance and renewal of lease for mining in the state, bauxite miners in Porbandar area of Gujarat are facing tough times.

According to industry sources, over Rs 1,000 crore worth of investments of bauxite miners are believed to have been blocked due to the government's restriction. Porbandar District Chamber of Commerce and Industries officials maintained that about 8.3 million tonnes of bauxite stock is waiting for a dispatch permission from the authorities for past three years.

Four tremors of mild intensity were reported from Kalavad and Lalpur talukas in Jamnagar district from Sunday night to Monday morning.

Just a day after a mild tremor rocked Kalawad region of Jamnagar on Friday night, another tremor was experienced in villages between the stretch of Lalpur in Jamnagar and Advana of Porbandar districts on Sunday morning. However, there was no casualty or damage to property.
According to the district administration of Jamnagar and Porbandar, the tremor occurred at 6.15am.

Ahmedabad: State government has admitted on the floor of the House that illegal mining in Junagadh and Porbandar was to the tune of Rs 658 crore of which Rs 627 crore was only in Porbandar district.

Ahmedabad/Pune: Alarm bells rang throughout Gujarat, as cyclone Phet intensified to a very severe cyclonic storm causing strong winds, thunderstorm and rainfall across the state in a dramatic switch from the sweltering heat on Wednesday. Phet could possibly hit Gujarat coast on Friday, the weatherman warned.

Rajkot: A limestone theft of Rs 3.2 crore has been detected at Tukda village in Porbandar district. Collectorate officials have filed a complaint at Bagavadar police station against nine suspects.

Rajiv Shah | TNN

Gaurav Sharma

The situation is not as bad yet but Gujarat looks all set to get its own Nandigram and Singur. The Narendra Modi government is currently facing stiff resistance from villagers in at least five districts against its decision to hand over agricultural and grazing lands to industrial houses.