Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
Located 180 km from Mumbai on NH8, the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is going through an active phase of developing its tourism infrastructure. “In Dadra and Nagar Haveli we are creating a river front on the Daman Ganga. Five acres of land have been allotted for a new state museum. We are developing a lake front in Dudhni. The lion safari is also being improved with three more lions being brought from Junagadh,” said GS Meena, special secretary tourism and collector, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. While Meena is in charge of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, he is also on the committee for Daman and Diu. He added that infrastructure development is taking place very fast, with widening of roads and beautification of the cities. “Electricity, water supply and sewerage, everything is on the improvement track,” mentioned Meena. A marketing plan will be launched soon to highlight the many attractions of the destination.
He is hopeful that after the launch of the marketing plan both the industry and common public will know more about the area, this will also go a long way in attracting hospitality investors. Meena pointed out that many hotels are coming up in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. “This year 150 rooms have been added. In Daman and Diu also many hotels are coming up. In Diu a golf course is on the anvil,” he mentioned.
Though not yet on the tourism radar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is known for its many destinations of natural beauty, including the lion safari, deer park and natural beauties of Sahayadri Hills. According to Meena, there are no law and order issues. “There are not much taxes, and good environment for development of hotels – there are no entertainment tax or luxury tax,” he stated.
While heritage structures are being restored in Daman. The 15th and 16th century churches are also getting a facelift in Diu. Daman is also getting an oceanarium and a museum.
