GANDHINAGAR, Gujarat — Shivrajpur Beach in Devbhumi Dwarka has emerged as a major global symbol of sustainable coastal tourism after becoming Gujarat’s first Blue Flag certified beach, state officials said on Tuesday.
The internationally recognized tag marks a significant milestone in Gujarat’s efforts to develop world-class tourism infrastructure while preserving natural ecosystems. The achievement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative, which encourages Indians to explore the country’s scenic and cultural treasures.
Once known for its calm waters, cleanliness and natural beauty, Shivrajpur Beach has now joined the ranks of the world’s top beaches following its recognition for high environmental, safety and visitor facility standards.
The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. (TCGL) has invested roughly Rs 130 crore in developing Shivrajpur into a model coastal destination. The transformation will be highlighted at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Rajkot, where the Kutch-Saurashtra coastal and cultural tourism circuit will present a comprehensive investment roadmap for the first time.
Shivrajpur now offers an array of modern amenities including an arrival plaza, snorkelling plaza, cycling tracks and a scenic promenade. Supporting infrastructure such as a sludge treatment plant and an 11-kilometer access road has improved connectivity and sustainability. The beach also features changing rooms, showers and a children’s play area, reinforcing its appeal as a family-friendly coastal destination.
Future attractions planned for the area include a Beach Festival and themed coastal events to position Shivrajpur as an international hotspot for beach tourism and cultural celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Dwarka-Okha Urban Development Authority is preparing an integrated tourism plan for Dwarka, Bet Dwarka and Shivrajpur. The initiative aims to transform the entire coastal belt into a major hub for tourism and private investment. Officials said both domestic and global investors will be invited to explore opportunities in premium coastal resorts, adventure tourism, water sports and eco- and heritage-based hospitality ventures across Kutch and Saurashtra.
The broader region also offers significant prospects in forest-based tourism around the Gir landscape and cultural and experiential tourism throughout the Rann, further strengthening western India’s position as a promising emerging tourism destination.
The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, scheduled for January 10–12, 2026, in Rajkot, is expected to serve as a major turning point for coastal tourism development. With Shivrajpur’s transformation as the flagship example, Gujarat plans to highlight the investment potential of the Kutch-Saurashtra circuit to global stakeholders.
With its new global recognition and modern amenities, Shivrajpur Beach now stands as a powerful symbol of Gujarat’s push toward sustainable, world-class coastal tourism. (Source: IANS)
