Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the progress work of the Project of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) developing at Lothal in Gujarat, by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)in collaboration with Government of Gujarat.
The Rs.3500 crore project is being built at the historic Indus Valley Civilization region of Lothal in Gujarat under the Sagarmala Scheme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Modi reviewed the work progress of the NMHC and conveyed his satisfaction on the pace of the project. While addressing a huge gathering of the people from the neighboring villages and nearby areas, The Prime Minister stated that “India has a rich maritime history which were ignored for long. We should preserve it so we decided to recreate Dholaveera and Lothal in the same way as they were during their peak time in ancient time”.
‘NMHC would be developed in an area of about 400 acres with various unique structures such as National Maritime Heritage Museum, Light House Museum, Heritage Theme Park, Museum Themed Hotels & Maritime themed eco-resorts, Maritime Institute etc. which would be developed in a phased manner. Once completed, this project will provide tremendous job opportunities to the local people and will transform the socio-economic condition of the entire region’ said, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
‘NMHC is to be developed as a first of its kind in the country dedicated to the legacy of Maritime Heritage of India, to showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime glory. It will also highlight the robust maritime history and vibrant coastal tradition of our country at one place and would uplift the image of India’s Maritime Heritage in the international forum’, he added.
Chief Minister of Gujarat emphasized upon the historical importance of Lothal and maritime traditions of Gujarat. Union Minister Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya while highlighting the various aspects and prospects of this project, stressed upon the technological innovations and real-life experience being provided in this proposed NMHC to the visitors.
Prime Minister has reviewed the progress of the project via drone in presence of Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, Sonowal, Mandaviya, Minister of State of MoPSW Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan, Minister for Ministry of Health, Family Welfare, Medical Education, Water Resources & Water Supply, Gujarat of Gujarat Rushikesh Patel, MLA for Dholka Bhupendrasinh Chudasama along with Secretary MoPSW Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan and other senior officials of MoPSW and Government of Gujarat.
Showcasing India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage, NMHC is proposed to be developed as a world class international tourist destination, the first of its kind in the country, comprising of maritime museum, light house museum, maritime theme parks, and amusement parks, etc. It would showcase maritime heritage of the country from ancient to modern times by adopting an edutainment approach using the latest technology to spread awareness about India’s rich maritime heritage.
