Ahmedabad/Narmada, 31 October (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Rain Forest project for tourists at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district, on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Developed at a cost of Rs. 9.49 crore across an area of 47,000 square metres, the Rain Forest project is located near the new Gora Bridge, close to the Vagadia Check Post. The Prime Minister dedicated the facility to the public.

Following the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the entire project site. He also walked across the project’s main attraction, a 220-metre-long glass-deck skywalk bridge, to experience the panoramic views of the Rain Forest. During the visit, he received detailed information about the various plants and trees cultivated there from Narmada Nigam Chairman Mukesh Puri and Statue of Unity Chief Executive Officer Amit Arora. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi were also present.

The Rain Forest project at Ekta Nagar brings together natural beauty, biodiversity and sustainable tourism. It features a variety of evergreen plant species found in the rainforests of India’s Western Ghats, the Himalayas and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The project will give visitors an opportunity to learn about forest ecosystems, biodiversity, forest conservation and the importance of indigenous flora.

Several attractions have been developed within the complex to offer visitors opportunities to experience nature at close quarters while enjoying recreational activities. The 220-metre-long glass-deck skywalk bridge is the main highlight, allowing visitors to admire the natural beauty of the Rain Forest from a unique vantage point. Other attractions include a waterfall measuring between five and eight metres in height, a circular pond and connecting bridges, which add to the beauty of the Complex.

An entrance gateway, measuring 20 feet in height and 40 feet in width and constructed using natural stone, is another prominent feature. Walking trails made of Narmada stone, traditional brick-and-lime construction, rows of trees and thematic landscaping depicting the different layers of a rainforest will provide visitors with a distinctive experience.

An information centre has also been established within the Rain Forest to educate visitors about rainforest ecology, biodiversity and forest conservation through maps, illustrations, informative displays and QR codes.

A dedicated play area has been developed for children, featuring facilities such as a rock-climbing wall, slides of varying heights, tree balconies connected by stairways and swings.

The project is expected to position Ekta Nagar as a distinctive destination for ecotourism and nature-based learning, while promoting environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar