Devbhumi Dwarka, May 13 — Two labourers lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after a transmission tower collapsed in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district on Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred while workers were laying overhead electrical cables.

As per agency report, the mishap took place near Khambhalia when the tower suddenly gave way and fell on four workers engaged in the project. Bhupendra Singh Sarvaiya, inspector at Khambhalia police station, confirmed that one of the labourers died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries at a nearby government hospital.

Two others were critically injured and were rushed to a government hospital in Jamnagar for advanced medical treatment. Authorities stated that all the labourers involved were originally from West Bengal, and efforts are underway to formally identify them and notify their families.

The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at infrastructure sites. A detailed investigation is currently being conducted by the local police to determine the cause of the collapse and assess whether negligence played a role.

Devbhumi Dwarka, October 27 : Gujarat is set to add a new attraction for tourists with the inauguration of the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary and Barda Jungle Safari Phase-1 at Kapurdi Checkpost on Dhanteras, October 29. The state’s Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera will preside over the inauguration ceremony, with special appearances from Jamnagar MP Poonamben Madam and legislators from Devbhumi Dwarka and Porbandar.

N. Srivastava, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Gujarat, explained that the Asiatic lions, renowned worldwide, are currently found only in the Junagadh forest range of Gujarat. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, efforts are underway for the conservation and growth of wildlife. As a result, visitors will now have the opportunity to witness the majestic Asiatic lions in the Barda hills. Currently, approximately 674 Asiatic lions are found in Gujarat, and the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Devbhumi Dwarka will provide a new, safe, and natural habitat for these iconic creatures.

Unique Features of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is a rich habitat for diverse flora, wildlife, and a variety of colorful local and migratory birds. It is home to 368 plant species, including 59 types of trees, 83 herbs, 200 shrubs, and 26 climbers. Among these, shrubs constitute 54%, followed by 23% herbs, 16% trees, and 9% climbers. Khirni is one of the most significant species found here.

Wildlife in Barda Sanctuary

After nearly 14 decades, this forest area is once again witnessing the presence of Asiatic lions. Additionally, the sanctuary is home to 22 species of mammals, including leopards, wild cats, hyenas, small civet cats, foxes, and rabbits. Herbivores like deer, sambhar, chital, nilgai, and wild boars also inhabit this sanctuary. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, hosting 269 species of birds, including peacocks, partridges, milk kingfishers, and many more.

Exciting Barda Jungle Safari Phase-1

The Barda Jungle Safari offers tourists a chance to explore the most picturesque areas of Bhavnagar-Ranavav and the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. The safari takes visitors along the serene banks of the Kilganga River (situated in Devbhumi Dwarka), allowing them to witness the rich flora and fauna of the sanctuary. Visitors need to book permits in advance through the ticket window, and an online booking option will soon be available to facilitate easier access.

Geographical Setting of Barda Sanctuary

The Barda region, with its rolling hills and diverse topography, spans approximately 215 square kilometers, of which 192.31 square kilometers have been designated as a wildlife sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. The sanctuary straddles two districts, Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka.

Accessibility to Barda Sanctuary

The sanctuary is well-connected by road, making it easily accessible from nearby cities like Porbandar, Jamjodhpur, Upleta, Jamnagar, and Junagadh. It is situated 170 kilometers from Rajkot and 430 kilometers from Ahmedabad. The nearest railway stations are Porbandar, 40 kilometers away, and Jamnagar, 82 kilometers away. The nearest airport is Rajkot, 190 kilometers from the sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit Barda Sanctuary

Tourists can visit the sanctuary from 6 AM to 4 PM. The sanctuary remains open during the winter season from October 16 to February 28-29 and the summer season from March 1 to June 15. It remains closed from June 16 to October 15.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Close to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary are popular tourist attractions such as the Navlakha Temple, Modpar Fort, Jambuvan Caves, and the famous Sudama, Kirti, Nageshwar, and Dwarakadhish temples. Visitors are invited to explore this new habitat of Asiatic lions and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Barda’s vibrant hills and rivers. A visit to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary promises an unforgettable journey through its rich biodiversity, offering peace and a joyous connection to nature.

Dwarka – In a devastating road accident near Padar in Devbhumi Dwarka district on Saturday evening, seven people, including five members of a single family, lost their lives. The victims include two children. Additionally, 15 people were injured and have been admitted to Khambhaliya Hospital for treatment.

The accident occurred when a private bus driver lost control of the vehicle after an animal suddenly appeared on the road. The bus crossed the divider and collided with three oncoming vehicles, including two cars and a motorcycle. The collision took place around 8 PM near Bardiya village, approximately six kilometers from Dwarka on the Dwarka-Khambhaliya highway.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, operated by a private travel agency, became unbalanced while attempting to avoid the animal. The bus crossed the divider and hit two cars and a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction, before overturning. The impact of the collision was severe, resulting in the death of seven individuals.

The victims have been identified as Hetalben Thakor (28), Priyanshi Thakor (18), Tanya Thakor (3), Riyaji Thakor (2), Viren Thakor, Chirag Bariya (26), and an unidentified woman. Five of the deceased belonged to the same family from Palsana Kalol village in Gandhinagar district, while Chirag Bariya was a resident of Bardiya village in Dwarka district.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, with ambulances arriving from various districts to assist the injured. Medical teams from Jamnagar’s GG Hospital are treating the injured, with additional support from local authorities. Jamnagar MP Poonamben Maadam, Minister Mulu Vira, and senior officials also reached the site to oversee the situation.

According to Prant Officer Anmol Awte, the injured are receiving primary treatment at Khambhaliya Hospital, with necessary medical attention being provided to stabilize their condition.

In Dwarka, Gujarat – As part of a major initiative to boost tourism and infrastructure, the Gujarat Tourism Corporation has laid out an ambitious master plan for the redevelopment of Bet Dwarka Island, under the guidance of Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera. The plan, which unfolds in three phases, focuses on upgrading the temple precincts, beaches, and surrounding areas of this historically and religiously significant site.

The first phase of the redevelopment project has been kickstarted with an allocation of Rs 150 crore by the state government. This phase includes the enhancement of the Dwarkadhish Temple area, road beautification, development of Heritage Street, and improvements to Shankhnarayan Temple and a nearby pond. Notably, the North Beach area will also see significant upgrades to become a public beach with a new tourist visitor center, market area, and Hillock Park featuring a viewing deck.

"The initial funding of Rs 150 crore reflects our commitment to transforming Bet Dwarka into a world-class destination that honors its heritage while meeting the needs of modern travelers," stated officials from the Gujarat Tourism Corporation. The tendering process for these developments is currently underway, with subsequent phases to follow soon.

Phase two of the project will focus on further developing Dandi Hanuman Temple and its beach, Abhay Mata Temple with a sunset park, and various community amenities including a Nature and Marine Interpretation Center, Skill Development Center, and a community lake. The construction of roads and signage will also be part of this phase.

The third phase will introduce a solid waste management system, further development of the community lake and Lake Arrival Plaza, and enhanced connectivity options from the beach to the temple with shuttle services, e-vehicles, and a ferry service for dolphin watching. An audio-visual presentation area, along with training facilities for guides, will also be developed to enrich the tourist experience.

"In addition to infrastructure improvements, the master plan includes creating separate pilgrimage pathways for men and women to manage crowds in the temple, along with accessible routes for disabled visitors," explained the project coordinators. "Every aspect of the redevelopment is designed to enhance visitor engagement and comfort."

Bet Dwarka's redevelopment aims not only to preserve its rich cultural heritage but also to harness its potential as a premier tourist destination in Gujarat, offering a blend of historical reverence and modern convenience.

Dwarka : Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dwarka, Gujarat, on Sunday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various developmental projects.

The highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the newly constructed Signature Bridge and View Gallery, which connects the mainland city of Okha to the island of Bet Dwarka, the location of the revered Dwarkadhish Temple. This bridge is expected to significantly ease travel for pilgrims and boost tourism in the region.

Prime Minister Claims 'Modi's Guarantee' on Infrastructure Projects:

During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi addressed the public, highlighting the completion of the bridge as an example of "Modi's Guarantee." He claimed to have proposed the bridge project during a previous government but received no attention. He further emphasized the importance of completing the project and credited his administration with its successful completion.

Prime Minister Modi also utilized his speech to criticize the previous government's approach to infrastructure development. He accused them of lacking the will or intent to provide essential facilities for citizens and neglecting their needs in favor of serving a "family," a veiled reference to the Gandhi family associated with the Congress party. He further claimed that the previous administrations focused solely on short-term governance and remained focused on concealing corruption, which he believed hindered India's economic progress.

The Prime Minister contrasted the past with his own administration's achievements, claiming that under Congress rule, India only reached the 11th position in the global economy. He attributed his election victory in 2014 to a public desire for change and promised to prevent further national "looting" through corruption. He concluded by highlighting his government's efforts to curb corruption and claimed to have stopped scams that were rampant during the previous administration.

Dwarka : Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects at the revered Dwarkadhish Temple and Sharda Peeth in Dwarka, Gujarat, on Sunday.

Darshan and Blessings at Dwarkadhish Temple:

Prime Minister Modi arrived at the Dwarkadhish Temple, where he received a warm welcome. The temple, adorned with flowers in his honor, served as the backdrop for his darshan of Lord Dwarkadhish. Following religious traditions, the temple priest conducted a "Paduka puja" for the Prime Minister.

Seeking Blessings at Sharda Peeth:

Continuing his spiritual journey, Prime Minister Modi then visited Sharda Peeth, where he sought the blessings of Sharda Peethadhishwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati Maharaj. Upon arrival at Sharda Peeth, he received a warm welcome before seeking blessings from the revered spiritual leader.

Visiting the Gomati River and Sudama Bridge:

After his visit to the temple and the Peeth, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the holy Gomati River ghats, where he also paid a visit to the Sudama Bridge. Throughout his visits, he interacted and greeted devotees who had gathered to witness his visit.

Upon his arrival at the temple, the Prime Minister was welcomed by dignitaries, including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Member of Parliament and BJP State President CR Patil, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi, Chief Secretary Rajkumar, and local district representatives.

Dwarka : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the highly anticipated Signature Bridge connecting Okha and Bet Dwarka on February 25th. This landmark infrastructure project, replacing the previously planned Ram Sudarshan Bridge, will significantly improve connectivity and accessibility to the island of Bet Dwarka, a revered pilgrimage destination.

The 2,320-meter-long bridge, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 978.93 crore, will provide a direct and convenient route for both pilgrims and residents. Previously, reaching Bet Dwarka, known for its temple dedicated to Lord Dwarkadhish, involved a boat journey that could take up to 40 minutes. The new bridge is expected to drastically reduce travel time to just 5-10 minutes, significantly enhancing accessibility and convenience.

This four-lane bridge boasts a unique design, featuring a central cable module stretching 900 meters. It is not only expected to improve travel efficiency but also ensure the safety of commuters by eliminating the risks associated with sea travel. The inauguration of the Signature Bridge marks a significant milestone in infrastructure development for the region, fostering economic growth and religious tourism.

DWARKA, 28 September (Hindustan Reporter) - Local police, with support from multiple agencies, arrested five individuals near Okha in the Devbhoomi Dwarka district following the interception of a suspicious boat. The detained individuals comprise three Iranian nationals and two Indians.

According to the Okha Police, preliminary investigations suggest the possibility of the group's arrival in India from Iran via the sea. A crucial piece of evidence, a satellite phone, was retrieved from the boat. Based on the phone's frequency and recorded communications, it's confirmed that those aboard were in touch with entities in Iran and possibly other nations.

Sources within the police have shed light on a potential backstory to this incident. One of the arrested Indians, a young man from Tamil Nadu, was previously employed in Iran. However, his employer reportedly confiscated his passport, leaving him stranded. Desperate to return home, he sought help from the Iranian boat for transport back to India.

The same youth's brother, also once employed in Iran but in possession of his passport, traveled from Rajkot to Okha, intending to reunite with and receive his sibling. He too has been taken into custody.

Currently, various government agencies are deeply involved in the interrogation process of the five detainees, aiming to unravel the full extent and nature of their activities.

Gujarat: In response to the impending threat of Cyclone Biperjoy, authorities have closed the renowned Dwarka temple for a day, prioritizing the safety of devotees and aiming to prevent loss of life and property. Notably, the flag at the Jagat temple of Dwarka has suffered damage due to the strong winds accompanying the storm.

Cyclone Biperjoy, brewing in the Arabian Sea, has intensified, causing heavy winds and rain, and preventing the re-hoisting of the damaged flag atop the temple. This damage, steeped in mythology, is considered an ominous sign. Despite these trying circumstances, locals hold strong faith in their deity, Kalio Thakar, believing in divine protection against the crisis.

Traditionally, during natural calamities, two flags are raised on the Jagat Mandir. The same protocol was followed during the storm, with a second flag hoisted underneath the original to maintain the spiritual guard of the Dwarkadhish temple.

Simultaneously, Cyclone Biperjoy's wrath has led to the suspension of railway and bus services to Somnath. The Somnath Trust has urged devotees to refrain from visiting the Somnath Temple during this period to prevent complications due to the storm. Furthermore, the Samudrapath Promenade has been closed, and the light and sound show narrating Somnath's history has been temporarily discontinued.

The storm's impact has already been felt in Devbhoomi Dwarka, where sea water has intruded into the Sri Krishna temple located at Gomti Ghat, due to heavy rain in Saurashtra and the resultant pressure in the Arabian Sea. This event underscores the tangible threats of the impending cyclone and the necessity of these precautionary measures.

A fishing businessman from Rupen Bandar in Gujarat's Devbhoomi Dwarka district fell victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud involving an online loan application, eventually paying Rs 61,000 for a loan of just Rs 1,800. The victim, 20-year-old Nizam Sodha, has lodged a police complaint against the culprits.

According to Sodha, his five-year-old niece unwittingly downloaded the 'CreditNow' app while watching children's videos on YouTube, where the app was advertised. Upon discovering the app on his phone on March 9, 2023, Sodha found that he could apply for a loan of Rs 87,000. His first loan request of Rs 3,000 was approved, but only Rs 1,800 was credited to his account, the remaining amount being deducted as a processing fee.

However, the situation took a turn for the worse five days later. Sodha began receiving calls from different numbers via WhatsApp, even after he had closed the loan. In addition to the calls, he was sent explicit photos and threatened that these would be shared on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, and sent to his friends and relatives unless he repaid the loan.

Fearing the potential embarrassment and social backlash from the distribution of explicit images, Sodha ended up depositing a total of Rs 61,000 through his UPI ID. "The accused have extorted money from me by threatening to make explicit photos viral through social media and sharing them with people in my contact list," said a distressed Sodha, who has since closed his WhatsApp account.

The police have registered a case against five different number holders under section 384 of the IPC and various sections of the IT Act, marking another instance of the rising menace of cyber fraud in the digital era.

Dwarka, Gujarat - The Special Operations Group (SOG) team in Dwarka has cracked down on a fake marksheet and certificate scam, arresting a suspect and seizing 66 counterfeit class 10th marksheets. The arrest took place on Parodia Road, Salaya, and has brought to light yet another scandal in Gujarat's education sector, following recent reports of dummy candidates and leaked exam papers.

In addition to the fake marksheets, the SOG team also recovered a forged certificate of the Standard of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) from the accused, identified as Azim Dungda. During interrogation, Dungda revealed that residents of Salaya and other areas who sought high-paying jobs on ships or boats abroad required a 10th standard marksheet to obtain the mandatory STCW certificate.

Dungda had been producing counterfeit class 10th marksheets, charging clients between 35,000 and 40,000 rupees for each document. Along with the fake marksheets, the SOG team also seized computer printers and other equipment used in the forgery operation.

Further questioning of the accused could lead to the identification of more individuals involved in the scam. A complaint has been filed against Azim Dungda at the Salaya Marine Police Station as the investigation continues.