A row broke out between security personnel and tourists who were denied entry to a cultural programme being held as part of the Rann Utsav at the White Rann in Kutch&rsquo;s Dhordo Sunday evening. Police eventually intervened and brought the situation under control.
Officials said that entry had been restricted because Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was on the dais as the chief guest at the event, organized by Gujarat Tourism Corp. Ltd.
The event was held to mark the release of a new postal cover showcasing a glimpse of the culture of Kutch by the Indian Department of Posts.
The CM said the Rann Utsav would serve as a guide in creating a developed Gujarat for a developed India.
&ldquo;Paying homage to Sardar Patel, the architect of a united India, on his death anniversary, the CM mentioned that just as Sardar Saheb unified the country by integrating princely states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has built &lsquo;Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat&rsquo; by focusing on the language, culture, and tourism of every state,&rdquo; a statement from the Chief Minister&rsquo;s Office (CMO) said.
He noted that Rann Utsav, which celebrates desert culture and tourism, is an opportunity to realize this vision.
He reflected on the development of Kutch, under the chief ministership of Narendra Modi, who launched &lsquo;Rann Utsav&rsquo; with just three days of planning, the statement added.
CM Patel emphasized that the Rann, once seen as barren land, has now become a gateway of global tourism through the Rann Utsav, a testament to the PM&rsquo;s foresight.
Dhordo, the venue of the festival, has also been honoured with the &lsquo;Best Tourism Village&rsquo; award by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
&ldquo;The Kutch Rann Utsav has not only provided a significant boost to Gujarat&rsquo;s tourism industry but has also driven economic and social development for many communities,&rdquo; the statement added.
The CM also highlighted the state&rsquo;s efforts to improve tourism infrastructure, making Kutch easier to reach.
&ldquo;This year, direct Volvo bus services have been introduced from Ahmedabad airport to Dhordo, providing tourists with a direct route to the Rann Utsav. This initiative lets both domestic and international visitors easily reach the White Rann from the airport. Since the festival's beginning, tourist numbers have risen steadily, with over 7 lakh visitors last year,&rdquo; the statement said.
(With agency input)

Protesters clash with police outside the venue

Row breaks out between cops and tourists protesting being barred from entry at Dhordo venue

Unexpected Fireworks at CM’s Rann Utsav Event

Row breaks out between cops and tourists protesting being barred from entry at Dhordo venue

December 16, 2024 | 09:18 IST