Gandhinagar: As many as 13 islands in Gujarat are identified by district collectors to have potential for development in Gujarat. They are Pirotan, Gandhiyakdo, Panero, Rozi, Ajad, Bhaidar, Shiyal, Nora, Piram, Valvod, Aliya and Kediya bet. Survey of these islands has also been conducted using drone technology with help of marine police and coast guard.

A meeting of Island Development Authority, chaired by State Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was held today in capital Gandhinagar to discuss specialties of each of these islands, especially Pirotan and Shiyal bet and geographical factors pertaining to high tide and low tide.

Gujarat has 1600 km long coast line with more than 144 islands. The State had formed Island Development Authority in the month of August this year for development of islands. Chief Minister heads this authority with Dy CM, tourism minister, forest and environment minister and senior secretaries as its members.

The meeting discussed that Pirotan island can be easily reached thanks to New Bedi port nearby. The island has neem, kathi, amla, babul, cher and other trees and a light house which make it more suitable for tourists. Similarly, Shiyal bet is located near Pipavav port .The golden sand island has local village panchayat, power and piped water supply network which make it suitable for tourism development.

The Chief Minister asked officials to do in-depth study of these two islands and explore the possibilities of their development.

DeshGujarat