SARDAR SAROVAR NARMADA NIGAM LIMITEDsardarsarovardam.org/document/tenders/3-vol-ii-project-information... · PIM Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited Page | 2 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction

SARDAR SAROVAR NARMADA NIGAM LIMITEDPROJECT INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

Upgradation, Operation & Maintenance ofShrestha Bharat Bhawan at Kevadia,Narmada, GujaratMay 2019

Upgradation, Operation & Maintenance of Shrestha Bharat Bhawan atKevadia, Narmada, Gujarat

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Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited Page | 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2

1.1 Introduction 2

CHAPTER 2.0 LOCATION & SITE ANALYSIS 4

2.1 An Overview of Statue of Unity, Kevadiya 4

2.2 SWOT Analysis of Narmada as Tourist Destination 13

2.3 Opportunities for Tourism Development in / nearby Statue of Unity, Narmada 14

2.4 Rationale of O&M for Shreshtha Bharat Bhawan 15

2.5 Site Location and Description 16

2.6 SWOT Analysis 17


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INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

Gujarat is the 6th largest State in India, located in the western part of India with acoastline of 1600 km (longest in India). It is one of the most popular tourist regions inthe country, and was visited by 44.8 million domestic and international tourists in 2016-17. Gujarat offers scenic beauty from Great Rann of Kutch to the hills of Saputara.Gujarat is one and the only place to view pure Asiatic lions in the world. Gujarat is alsothe birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, iconic figures ofIndia’s Independence movement. Amitabh Bachchan is the brand ambassador ofGujarat Tourism since 2010. The “Khushboo Gujarat Ki” campaign by celebrityAmitabh Bachchan has increased tourism in Gujarat tremendously.1

Tourism in Gujarat has a wide scope for tourists, as it includes wide range of forts andmuseums, wild life sanctuaries, temples and mosques and other places of interest. Itoffers a traveler’s paradise by offering a wide spectrum of tourism sectors such asspiritual tourism, business tourism, nature tourism, heritage tourism, medical, health,cultural, adventure, and event, urban or rural and recreational tourism. The StateGovernment’s “Khushboo Gujarat ki” campaign has helped to increase the business.Thus an increased occupancy is estimated by the hotel industry.

The Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (the “Authority” or “SSNNL”) is a 100(one hundred) percent subsidiary of Government of Gujarat. SSNNL was responsiblefor implementing the Sardar Sarovar Project, one of the largest water resources projectof India covering four major states - Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat andRajasthan.

The Sardar Sarovar Project is a lifeline of Gujarat and hence it is the cherished desireof Government and people of Gujarat to erect a monument at this sacred spot inmemory of one of Independent India’s tallest leaders Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.Government of Gujarat, has created a special purpose vehicle i.e. Sardar VallabhbhaiPatel Rastriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) for implementing the Project. The Statue of UnityProject, includes the iconic 182 meter tall Statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, amuseum and other ancillary facilities on Sadhu Hill, 3 Kms downstream of the SardarSarovar Dam.

Kevadia, with the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Statue of Unity is gradually becominga global tourist hub. Looking at the increasing tourist footfalls, along with a plethora ofother attractions being developed for the tourists, it is intended to provide tourists witha host of stay options near the Statue of Unity. As part of this endeavour, the Authorityhas decided to undertake selection of an Agency, a reputed hotel operator, forUpgradation, Operation & Maintenance of Shrestha Bharat Bhawan on Operation andMaintenance (O&M) basis, and has, therefore, decided to carry out the bidding process

1http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/taai-award-for-gujarat-tourism/article2735467.ece


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for selection of the Bidder to whom the work may be awarded.

A growing demand for tourists in region due to recent developments, has added to thedemand for rooms in the area. Limited supply of quality hotels and ever increasingtourism in the region, clear title of land / developed infrastructure makes this sitefeasible for development as envisaged.


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LOCATION & SITE ANALYSIS

2.1 An Overview of Statue of Unity, Kevadiya

2.1.1 Introduction

The Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, built to honour the memory of iconicleader and architect of United India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, sees a colossal footfalloftourists every single day. Located in Gujarat’s Narmada district, the world’s talleststatue, is 3.5 km away from Kevadiya town and about 200 km from Ahmedabad.

The picturesque surroundings of the Saputara and Vindhyachal hills along with themighty river Narmada provide the perfect view to the statue, which is built on an island.Among the prime attractions on the site is a viewer’s gallery inside the statue locatedat the height of 135 meters with a capacity to accommodate 200 persons at a time.High speed lifts installed are capable of taking 5000 people per day to the viewinggallery, which offers a panoramic glimpse of the surrounding areas.

Besides the Statue itself, there are several other tourist attractions around includingthe valley of flowers, natural beauty of the Saputara and Vindhyachal hill rangesbesides the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the mighty Narmada river.

The State Government recently opened a new luxurious nature retreat, Tent CityNarmada, just 10 minutes away from the monument. Set up opposite the idyllicPanchmuli lake and Dyke 4 (2 tent cities), the resort is surrounded by meadows, watercascades, thick forest areas and abundant wildlife.

A major attraction for the tourists is the option of going to spot crocodiles at the SardarSarovar dam besides taking short treks to explore ecotourism sites. The statuecomplex has a separate selfie point which gets visitors a good view of the statue andits pristine surroundings. Another attraction is the laser, light and sound show basedon the unification of India during the post independence period which is conducted inthe complex.

Plans are also afoot to develop several water sports like river rafting and boating, paragliding and forest treks in a phased manner for adventure seekers near the Statue ofUnity.


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Figure 2-1: Location Map of Statue of Unity Area, Kevadiya

2.1.2 Connectivity

Statue of Unity is well connected to major cities of Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Vadodara,Bharuch etc through roads, rail and air. It is about 100 km from Vadodara, 200 km fromAhmedabad and about 420 km from Mumbai. The nearest town to Statue of Unity isKevadiya which is about 3.5 km away and the nearest city is Rajpipla which is 25 kmaway.

Road – Statue of Unity is well connected by road with Vadodara and Ahmedabadtowards north, Rajpipla and Bharuch towards west, Surat and Mumbai towards souththrough National highway 953 and State highway 5. Statue of Unity can also bereached by State Highway 11 and State highway 63.

Rail – Vadodara railway station is the nearest rail head 90 km to the Sardar PatelStatue. Bharuch Railway Station is 91 km and Ahmedabad Railway Station is around197 km.

Air – The nearest airport from Statue of Unity is in Vadodara and the nearestinternational airport is in Ahmedabad.

2.1.3 Demography

According to Census 2011 Narmada district has a population of 590,379 roughly equal

Kevadiya


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to the nation of Soloman Islands or the US State of Wyoming. This gives it a rankingof 528th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 214inhabitants per square km. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-11 was14.77%. Narmada has a sex ratio of 960 females for every 1000 males and a literacyrate of 73.29%.

2.1.4 Economy

2.1.4.1 At District Level

The economy of Narmada district is solely based on agriculture. Most of the populationin the district are engaged in agriculture in order to earn their livelihood. Production ofbanana and cotton are the key horticulture crops in the district. An investment of INR600 Cr was observed in the district between 1988-07. Industries such as textiles,sugar, and chemicals observed major investments and substantial growth during thepast two decades.

Though the district is scantily industrialized yet it has some industries of textiles, sugar,chemicals, agro industries etc. There are also some small scale industries of paper,wood products and food products in the district which helps in its economy to a greatextent.

In the year 2006, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj declared Narmada one of the country’s250 most backward districts and currently receiving funds from the Backward RegionsGrant Fund Programme (BRGF).

Economy Drivers

Agriculture provides the maximum opportunity to generate sustainable livelihood andemployment for the villagers. Industry sectors such as textiles, food products, woodand rubber products and repair and servicing are the supporting pillars of the districteconomy. The district owns some of the major tourist destinations such asShoolpaneshwar, Wildlife Sanctuary and Temple and Rajwant Palace which accountsfor a healthy influx of tourists.

Narmada houses herbal botanical gardens consisting of almost 70 species of herbalplants, which are used for the ayurvedic and natural therapy of treatment, and alsohelps in increasing medical value travel in the district.


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2.1.5 Tourist Inflow to Statue of Unity

The inflow of tourist in Statue of Unity from 2nd Nov 2018 to 26th Jan 2019.

Government sees the potential of extending it to 15000 persons per day (5.0 millionannually).

2.1.6 Tourism Resources

Narmada district has abundant tourism assets which are currently either untapped orunder-tapped. The key features of the tourism assets of this region are-

Presence of three major water reservoirs – Sardar Sarovar, Ukai Dam and KarjanDam.

Abundant biodiversity and rich forests assets

Attractive tribal culture – art and cuisines

The district is richly endowed with herbs of medicinal value. The ForestDepartment has developed multiple Aushadhiya & Botanical Gardens in the area.


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The map of the tourist attractions in the district is as below-

Brief details of the Tourist attractions as mentioned in the map are as below-

1. Rajpipla

District Headquarters & Municipality,which was the capital of the formerkingdom of Rajpipla. The tourismassets include- Rajwant palace, Vadiapalace, and Statue of MaharajaVijaysinhji, Harsiddhi Mataji Temple,Victoria Gate and Red Tower locationin picturesque Forest Background.


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2. Dediapada

Small village home to the tribalcommunities like Vasava and Tadvi.Local tours to Panjari Ghat, Rukhal,Kunbar are the major attractions.

3. Zarwani

A seasonal waterfall located close tothe Sardar Sarovar dam, Zarwani is apopular tourist locations. It is located inthe Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary. Thereare no many tourist amenities locatedin the area, and the Falls is a short trekfrom the parking site. It can beaccessed through the forest checkpost.

4. Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary

The sanctuary was initially establishedfor the protection of the sloth bear in1982. The forest is one of the best andthickest in the state, and includes amajor watershed feeding two majorreservoirs with the Rajpipla hills asbackdrop. It has good biodiversity. Thelocal population heavily depends onthe forest produce, particularlyBamboo for socio-economicsustenance.

5. Malsamot

With a hill station like environment,Malsamot is located close to the SagaiCampsite.The site has 6 roomedguesthouse and decent road andelectricity connectivity. Small villagetreks may be undertaken from thissite.


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6. The Statue of Unity

The under-construction Statue ofUnity, having a project cost of Rs.2898 cr., is a project having aniconic 182 meter tall landmarkstatue dedicated to SardarVallabhbhai Patel. Post completionin it will be the world's tallest statue.Located in Sadhubet near the Damthe statue will have other featureslike Tribal Museum & AV Gallery, LaserLight Show, Interpretation Centre,Research centre, Hotel (~128 keys),Viewing Gallery, Ferry services etc.

Main components of the project are asunder:

1. 182 meter high World Tallest Statuecalled Statue of Unit

2. Viewing Gallery at 135 m level3. Exhibition Hall and Gallery at Statue

base with memorial garden at it roof4. Memorial and Visiting Centre (M & VC)5. Main Bridge (300 m) connecting M&VC

and Sadhu Island6. Shrestha Bharat Bhavan

(Administrative complex / managementhub cum hotel)

7. Road connecting Shrestha BharatBhavan and M&VC

7. Devmogra

Highly revered by the locals,Devmogra Mata is the goddess ofSatpuda mountain people. There is anannual festival at the temple fromFebruary to March where an estimated5,00,000 to 7,00,000 people attend.


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8. Sagai

This campsite is situated at the foot ofthe hills Malsamot, is amidst, teakforests and breath-taking views. Theexisting infrastructure include- 6Cottages with attached bath & toiletfacilities, 5 Tented Accommodationswith separate bath & toilet facilities, 1dormitory (10 pax), Kitchen & Diningplaces. The EDC serves fodd to thevisitors. There is an interpretationcenter and campfire and machaans.The campsite also has a nature trail.

9. Panjrighat

It is a picnic destination for nearbyschools. There is a seasonal waterfalland interesting rock formations in thesite. Located within the forest, it aninteresting trek from nearby sites likeDediapada.

10. Kunbar

The forest department has developeda site for camping close to theBotanical Garden. The site is close toa waterbody and has a well-developednursery and some office spaces in thecampus. The road connectivity isgood.

11. Ninai

Ninai is a seasonal waterfall and apopular attraction in the area. Thewaterfall has basic infrastructuredeveloped by the forest departmentlike- Van kutir, RCC steps to waterfall,rain shelter near waterfall, viewinggallery, seating etc.

The waterfall is usually trekked fromSagai Campsite. Not much ofrefreshment facilities are availableonsite for tourists.


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12. Rukhal

Located in a reserve forest, the ForestDepartment has developed some sitesfor camping facilities. The site is goodfor wildlife and bid siting. The forestcover is dense and the proposedcampsite is located adjacent to thevillage. It has dirt road access from themain road. The waterbody makes thesite popular with birds.

13. Junaraj

Located in the ShoolpaneshwarSanctuary Area, Junaraj is a well-developed camping site with greatwater frontage on the Karjan Dam.The current infrastructure include 6Cottages and tent plinths. The facilitiesare managed by the EDC. The footfallis not much in the site. The roadaccess is very poor and through thegated area of the forest.

14. Ukai Dam

The Ukai Dam, constructed across theTapi River, is the second largestreservoir in Gujarat after the SardarSarovar. The site is popular withtourists, especially those from SouthGujarat.

15. Vishalkhadi

Vishalkhadi is another camping sitedeveloped and maintained by theForest Department on the KarjanDam. The site has 6 RoomedGuesthouse, Camps, Bamboo Hut,Dormitory.

Boating in the nearby Karjan river arepopular tourist activities. Thecampsite is run by the EDC and thelast mile access is good for the site.


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16. Karjan Dam

Located on the Karjan river, thereservoir has an area of 36.77 Km2at full reservoir level. The area is veryscenic, however underexplored interms of tourism development.

The Forest Department has twocampsites of Junaraj and Vishalkhadioverlooking the Karjan Dam.

17. Sardar Sarovar Dam

It is the largest dam on RiverNarmada and one of the largest in theworld. The Kevadia colony is locatedat the foot of the dam, where theemployees of the dam live. Touristamenities have also been developedin this location.

The dam site is a popular monsoonattraction and Gujarat Tourismorganizes the Monsoon Festivalevery year in this place.

2.2 SWOT Analysis of Narmada as Tourist Destination

Strengths There are many scenic unexplored locations.

As the area has year long water availability, the tourist season availabe is longaround 8-9 months.

The district and the place is well connected and in close proximity to urban centreslike Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Bharuch.

Weaknesses Low retention capacity – day visitors primarily.

Exiting rates of room are very high or very low.

Institutional structure for maintenance / upkeep is yet to be established.

Limited local trained manpower resources.

Limited basic amenities especially sanitation.


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Opportunities The tourism is local residents driven.

Proposal of developing institutional framework and local capacities.

The room rates can be hiked with better facilities and management.

There is a potential to develop tourist circuits and better tourist activities /amenities.

Potential to upgrade existing forest accommodations and interpretation facilities.

Threats Sensitive forect / sanctuary area in vicinity.

There could be tourist safety concerns due to the water frontage that could pose athreat to the development.

Insensitive tourism development can ruin the location aesthetics irreversibly andperpetuate local dissatisfaction.

2.3 Opportunities for Tourism Development in and nearby Statue of Unity,Narmada.

a. Cinematic Tourism – Based on the discussions with the royal family of Rajpipla,it was discovered that the Palace is a popular shooting destination, more so forregional films. The destinations may be formally promoted in mainstream withproper infrastructure and timely permissions. Promotion materials in the form ofbrochures, short video clippings, cataloguing etc. can be undertaken for thepublicity of the destinations.

b. Ecotourism development at Campsites - The Forest Department has developedmultiple campsites in the region. However they neither attract a lot of tourists norare particularly well maintained. The scenic location of these sites, present a greatopportunity for development in PPP. Through sensitive contract conditions this willensure better tourist experience and higher engagement of the locals. A 2-3 daycircuit may be developed in the region, connecting the various campsites fordiverse experience to the tourists. Along the Rann Utsav model, the campsites maybe developed on a temporary basis based on the tourist seasons. There is also agreat possibility for the development of manufacturing local souvenirs through theSHGs

c. Water-sports on the Dam Sites - The presence of their major water bodies(Karjan Dam, Sardar Sarovar and Ukai Dam) is one the biggest USP of the site.Water sports development in at least one of the sites shall greatly open the area totourism. Development of an Institute in the lines of ABIMAS (Atal Bihari VajpayeeInstitute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports) shall catalyse the development ofwater and adventure sports in the entire Western Region.

d. Development of Wellness Tourism - Narmada is known for its richness ofmedicinal herbs. The Forest Department has developed many Medicinal Herbal


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Gardens in the area. This can be upgraded to include components of WellnessTourism.

e. Statue of Unity – It is a major upcoming development in the region. This megaproject will open up the area in a big way. It is a great opportunity to developancillary attractions in the region, to engage the tourists for a longer duration. Thedevelopment consist of tourist attractions like tribal museum, viewing gallery,convention centre, light and sound show, research centre, ferry services etc. Avalley of flowers is also being developed in the region which is poised to be a majorattraction.

f. Design, development and marketing of souvenirs - During the review meetingchaired by Hon’ble Union Minister Ms. Smruti Zubin Irani, the potential of BananaFibre made Clothes and Cotton Clothes was discussed. The model of Pochampallimay be suitably replicated in Narmada. Central Silk Board may be approached forSeri-culture Pilot Project. The possibilities of Bamboo products was also discussed.Such products can be interesting souvenirs are marketed by linking it to the Statueof Unity.

g. Skilling - During the visits and the discussions with the officials it was understoodthat this is a major requirement in the area. In the review meeting it wasrecommended that Skill Mapping may be undertaken to clearly identify the gaps.The Statue of Unity is to be inaugurated in October 2017. It is essential to prepareguides and other ancillary human resources before the same. It was discussed that~200 persons from the district may be trained at the State Institute of HotelManagement, Siddhpur for a course duration of 4 months in guide and otherhospitality related training programs. Short term training programs for the EDCmembers may also be developed in association with the Forest Department.

h. Infrastructure Upgradation - Narmada is one of the tribal and backward districtsof the State. Infrastructure upgradation in the form of proper road connectivity tothe tourist sites, access to electricity, mobile network connectivity shall be essentialfor the tourism development. During the site visit, high dependence on solar panelswas observed in the villages. The same may be develop in a more scientificmanner. An airstrip development in Rajpipla shall greatly enhance the connectivityto other parts of the State.

2.4 Rationale of O&M for Shreshtha Bharat Bhawan

Kevadia, with the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the Statue of Unity is gradually becominga global tourist hub. Looking at the increasing tourist footfalls, along with a plethora ofother attractions being developed for the tourists, it is intended to provide tourists witha host of stay options near the Statue of Unity Sites. Two Tent Cities with a capacityof about 240 tents have been developed on a PPP basis near the Statue of Unity. It isfurther intended that the selected property of the State Government be operated on aPPP basis. The details are as below:

1. Shreshta Bharat Bhawan: 52 rooms

Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) now intends to appoint anestablished and renowned Hospitality Group as Agency to undertake Operations and


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Management (O & M) of the building as stated above alongwith its marketing. It is alsoestimated that some investments will also be needed to upgrade the property.

2.5 Site Location and Description

2.5.1 Introduction

Shreshtha Bharat Bhawan is situated 4.9 kms from the Statue of Unity in betweenStatue of Unity and Kevadiya town. The site is located on the left side of the road whentravelling from Statue of Unity to Kevadiya. The site falls just before the town starts ifcoming from Statue of Unity. The site is a land parcel spread over an area of about30,000 sq. m.

The Site is surrounded by Narmada rivertowards the west, Suryakund water fallstowards the south, Statue of Unity accessroad towards the east and open landparcel towards the north. The site is just700 m away from the kevadiya town PostOffice, just opposite the Model room andInformation centre (ticketing / receptionarea) and next to public parking.

The Site coordinates are:

Latitude 21°52'25.18 "N

Longitude 73°41'42.98 "E

2.5.2 Site Linkage, Connectivity and Access:

The Site can be approached by an existing 4 lane divided carriageway road having anaverage width of more than 15 m that connects NH 953 to Statue of Unity. The sitehas a very good connectivity with Kevadiya and Statue of Unity along with other sightseeing places. The site lies almost on the main road and has enough parking space.The site can be approached by two internal roads connecting the main road andleading to Shreshta Bharat Bhawan.


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2.5.3 Site Topography and Vegetation

The Site is situated next to Narmada river on the top level of the contoured land withgood greenery. Topographically the land slopes from the SBB site towards Narmadariver and towards the road. The site has good greenery and garden around its building.

2.5.4 Proximity to Key Areas

The proposed Site islocated with NarmadaRiver on the west side,open land andSuryakund Waterfalls onthe south side, theapproach road from theMain road connecting itto Statue of Unity on theeast side and theKevadiya town on thenorth side. The site isaround 4.9 kms awayfrom the Statue of Unity. The site lies immediately south to the Kevadiya town and inclose vicinity to Tent city and Circuit house. The site is well connected to different partsof Narmada through well defined road road network.

2.5.5 Existing Infrastructure

Site Access

The Site is currently accessible by twointernal roads connecting to main roadthat also connects the Statue of Unity. Thenearest main road to the site is 100 m eastof the site.

Power & Water

The Site has power and water connection.

Telecommunication

Telecommunication and mobile networks are available on site.


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2.6 SWOT Analysis

Strengths The site is located vary close (within five km) to already established Statue of Unity

tourist spot which is witnessing 10,000 tourists per day on an average.

Basic infrastructure already developed for the site.

Location of Shreshtha Bharat Bhawan which is next to Narmada river, is a majoradvantage.

Good connectivity with major parts of Gujarat through well developed roads.

A PPP format limiting risk.

Weaknesses The site is already built and developed leaving no room for expansion.

Development in and around the location still on a nascent stage.

Opportunities The Narmada region is famous for its rich biodiversity including forest area,

Vindhyachal and Saputara hills, Narmada river & dam and a forest area that givesan opportunity for good tourism.

The proposed development can also attract local populace from neighbouringtowns.

The government is exploring the tourism possibilities of this area and envisagingto tap this vast beauty of Narmada in more possible ways.

Threats The project might become a victim of excessive commercialization and hence

leading to unsustainable growth of surrounding area.

Close vicinity to Vadodara poses a threat on overnight tourist traffic, as touristsmay prefer a day trip to this place rather than overnight stay.

Documents

SARDAR SAROVAR NARMADA NIGAM LIMITEDsardarsarovardam.org/document/tenders/3-vol-ii-project-information... · PIM Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited Page | 2 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction