EKTA NAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the Rain Forest and Vaman Vriksha Vatika at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district as part of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Earlier in the day, Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 31 tourism and infrastructure projects worth over Rs 426 crore.
Of the total projects, 23, valued at more than Rs 307 crore, were inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for eight projects costing over Rs 118 crore.
The newly developed Rain Forest is one of the major tourism attractions in the region. Spread across 12 acres, the facility recreates a rainforest environment with artificial rainfall. Its key attraction is a circular glass skywalk that allows visitors to walk above the forest landscape. The project was developed at a cost of over Rs 14 crore.
The Prime Minister also visited Vaman Vriksha Vatika, another nature-themed attraction at Ekta Nagar.
Among the other projects inaugurated were an IRCTC hotel, the Ekta Cruise and an Eco Trail. The projects for which foundation stones were laid include the Gora-Bhanadra Road, a smart zero-waste management facility and an integrated Cactus and Butterfly Garden.
Later in the evening, Modi is scheduled to attend the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations. The programme will feature the Ekta Parade, with contingents from Central and State Police Forces.
A special theatrical presentation titled ‘Naxal Mukt Bharat’, organised by the National School of Drama, will involve around 2,000 artistes. Cultural performances based on the theme ‘Vande Mataram’ will also be presented by nearly 5,000 artistes from across the country.
