STUDY TOUR REPORT: 84TH BATCH E-LEVE TRAINING

Tour Dates: July 29 to July 31, 2024 Locations: Kevadia-Baroda, Gujarat

Introduction

The 84th batch of E-level training embarked on a three-day study tour to Kevadia-Baroda,
Gujarat, from July 29 to July 31, 2024. The tour's primary objectives were to gain firsthand insights
into various aspects of regional development and infrastructure. These included the management of
the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP), implementation and outreach of the PRASHAD Scheme, innovative
forest growth methods such as the Miyawaki technique, operational excellence in Indian Railways,
and architectural achievements of the Princely State of Baroda, along with understanding local
nature habitats.

Day 1: July 29, 2024

Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP)

Our first visit was to the Sardar Sarovar Project, managed by Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam
Limited (SSNNL). The Sardar Sarovar Dam, located on the Narmada River, is the third-highest
concrete dam in India, towering at 163 meters. The reservoir it creates covers approximately 37,000
hectares, stretching 214 kilometers in length with an average width of 1.77 kilometers. The Full
Reservoir Level (FRL) is set at 138.68 meters, while the Maximum Water Level is 140.21 meters, and
the Minimum Draw Down Level is 110.64 meters. It as has capacity Mof electricity generation upto
1450 MW (6 Turbines of 200 MW and 5 CHPC each with capacity of 50 MW) The share of this power
grid is divided into four states 57% MP, 37% Maharashtra and 16% Gujarat and two district of
Rajasthan adjacent to Gujarat Border.

The dam's extensive canal network spans over 75,000 kilometers, marking one of the largest
canal projects globally. This network facilitates optimal utilization of the Narmada River's water
resources, benefiting several states including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
The strategic regulation of water flow by SSNNL results in several key benefits:

 Flood Mitigation: The dam effectively mitigates seasonal floods, thereby protecting
downstream areas from severe flooding.
 Agricultural Productivity: It provides a reliable water supply for irrigation, which has
significantly enhanced agricultural productivity and allowed for diversified cropping patterns.
 Drinking Water Supply: The dam supplies water to over 9,000 villages and numerous towns,
addressing chronic water scarcity issues and improving public health outcomes.
  Hydroelectric Power: With an installed capacity of 1,450 megawatts, the dam contributes
significantly to the region's energy security, supporting industrial development and economic
growth.

Through these multifaceted contributions, SSNNL plays a pivotal role in transforming the socio-
economic landscape of the regions it serves.

Neelkanth Dham Swaminarayan Temple

In the evening of July 29, we visited the Neelkanth Dham Swaminarayan Temple to
understand the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive)
Scheme. This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to enhance tourism infrastructure
and facilities at pilgrimage sites across India.

Significant investments have been made to improve the infrastructure at Neelkanth Dham.
These include the construction and upgrading of access roads, parking facilities, and public
conveniences, which ensure better connectivity and ease of access. The temple now features well-
equipped tourist information centers, markets, rest houses, and food courts, all designed to enhance
the visitor experience. Landscaping and beautification projects have created lush gardens, well-
maintained pathways, and lighting installations that add to the serene and visually appealing
environment.

Additionally, cultural and recreational activities such as spiritual discourses, cultural

performances, and exhibitions about the temple’s history have been implemented. These activities
enrich the visitor experience by providing deeper insights into the temple's cultural and spiritual
heritage. The scheme has also fostered community involvement, integrating local artisans, vendors,
and service providers into the tourism value chain, ensuring that the benefits of tourism
development are widely shared with the local community.

Day 2: July 30, 2024

Jungle Safari Park

On the second day, we visited the Jungle Safari Park, a state-of-the-art zoological park located
at Ekta Nagar. Opened in 2019, the park spans approximately 375 acres on the right bank of the River
Narmada and is home to around 186 species of animals. The park aims to complement ex-situ
conservation efforts for endangered wildlife and to raise public awareness about biodiversity and
environmental conservation.

The park serves several purposes:

 Conservation Education: It educates visitors about the importance of biodiversity and

conservation efforts.
 Research and Training: It facilitates research and training in wildlife conservation, captive
management, and veterinary care.
 Visitor Experience: Amenities such as golf carts, restaurants, and restrooms make the park
accessible and enjoyable for all age groups.

The diverse collection of flora and fauna, including carnivores like Royal Bengal Tiger, White
Lion, Jaguar etc herbivores, reptiles, birds, and primates, enriches the knowledge of visitors. The
park’s design and facilities aim to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience while
promoting conservation and environmental stewardship.

Miyawaki Forest

After exploring the safari park, we visited the Miyawaki Forest, an exemplary model of urban
ecological restoration. Developed using the Miyawaki method, the forest promotes rapid growth and
dense vegetation. This technique involves planting multiple layers of native species in a compact area
to create a diverse and resilient ecosystem. The Miyawaki Forest serves several functions:

 Ecological Restoration: It demonstrates effective methods for rapid and dense ecological
restoration.
 Biodiversity: The forest provides a habitat for various species, showcasing the importance of
biodiversity and sustainable environmental practices.
 Green Space: It acts as a “green lung” for the region, contributing to improved air quality and
environmental health.

The forest’s creation involves planting on a base of three feet of compost and fertilizers,
which supports the rapid growth of vegetation and helps restore the ecological balance.
 Statue of Unity

The day concluded with a visit to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, standing at
182 meters. It represents the 182 constituencies of Gujarat and was constructed using arund 5,000
tons of iron collected from arund 1.69 lakh places across India. The statue was inaugurated on
October 31, 2018, the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, and stands as a monumental engineering and
artistic achievement.

The statue houses a museum and exhibition hall that narrate the life and contributions of
Sardar Patel. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck located at the statue’s chest level,
offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, surrounding hills, and the
expansive Narmada River. This visit provided not only a visual spectacle but also a profound
connection to India’s historical and cultural heritage.

Day 3: July 31, 2024

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Baroda

On the final day, we visited the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Baroda, an Indo-Saracenic style palace
built during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890. The palace was constructed at a
cost of Rs 6 million and designed by Major Charles Mant, with completion by Robert Fellows Chisolm.
Key features of the palace include:

 Modern Facilities: The palace was equipped with advanced facilities for its time, including a
lift and a water tank with a capacity of approximately 100,000 liters.
 Architectural Layout: The palace is divided into four parts: the Durbar Hall, the Maharaja's
residence, the Maharani's residence, and a section for general use. The Maharaja used to
enter the Durbar Hall through the Hathi Gate.
 Interior and Art: The palace boasts elaborate interiors with well-maintained mosaics,
chandeliers, and artworks. Notable paintings by Raja Ravi Verma, who served for Gaikwads’
for around 12 years, adorn the walls of the Palace. The palace grounds also include a golf
course and the historic Navlakhi stepwell, showcasing ancient water resource management
systems.
  Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV)

Our final visit was to Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) in Baroda, a central university established
in 2022, specializing in transport and logistics education. GSV subsumes the previously-existing
National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI). It offers a demand-driven curriculum designed to
meet the needs of the transportation sector, supported by advanced technology and high-quality
faculty.

During our visit, we met with Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj Chaudhary, Prof. Jitesh Thakkar and
Mr. Pradeep Kumar Grag as we as administrative staff. We were presented with a comprehensive
overview of the university’s role and its value addition to India's transportation infrastructure. The
discussion highlighted the university’s interdisciplinary approach and its contribution to enhancing
operational excellence in Indian Railways and related sectors.
 Best Part of learning

It was a well organised tour aim specifically towards best learning exposures inter~alia:-

Comprehensive Water Management: Design and implement an integrated water management

strategy that addresses multiple needs, including flood control, irrigation, potable water supply, and
power generation. This approach ensures the sustainable and efficient use of water resources across
various sectors.

Infrastructure and Community Engagement: Prioritize infrastructure improvements that enhance

visitor accessibility and convenience. Additionally, foster local community involvement to ensure that
the benefits of tourism are broadly shared, promoting local economic development.

Conservation and Education: Integrate conservation initiatives with educational programs to

enhance public awareness and support for wildlife preservation. Provide amenities that
accommodate all age groups, ensuring an inclusive and engaging visitor experience.

Sustainable Urban Forestry: Adopt innovative urban forestry techniques, such as the Miyawaki
method, to develop green spaces that foster biodiversity and improve urban air quality. Implement
these methods to create vibrant, eco-friendly urban environments.

Tourist Attractions Development: Create tourist attractions that merge historical significance with
cutting-edge engineering and artistic design. Incorporate educational exhibits to offer context and
deepen visitor understanding of the site’s heritage and technological achievements.

Historical Site Preservation: Invest in the preservation and maintenance of historical sites. Utilize
these sites for educational purposes to increase public awareness and appreciation of cultural
heritage.

Specialized Educational Institutions: Establish educational institutions that address specific

industry needs, employing advanced technologies and interdisciplinary methods. Collaborate with
industry stakeholders to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with current demands.

Use of the learning in my job role

I have gained insights from this study tour which offer many valuable applications to my job
functions:

o Resource Management: The SSP project’s integrated approach to managing water

resources can be applied to large-scale infrastructure projects. Emphasize comprehensive
planning that addresses multiple needs, such as flood control, irrigation, drinking water
supply, and energy production.
o Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage with multiple stakeholders, including government
agencies and local communities, to ensure project success and sustainability.
o Infrastructure Development: Invest in upgrading infrastructure and amenities to enhance
user experience. Apply this principle to projects involving public spaces, tourism, or
community facilities.
o Community Engagement: Foster community involvement and local employment
opportunities in project planning and implementation. This approach ensures that the
benefits of development are widely distributed and supports local economic growth.
 o Conservation Efforts: Incorporate conservation practices and public education into
projects related to environmental protection. Promote awareness and support for
biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
o Visitor Experience: Design facilities and amenities that enhance user experiences and
accessibility. Consider integrating educational elements into visitor attractions to raise
awareness about environmental issues.
o Ecological Restoration: Use innovative techniques like the Miyawaki method to restore
urban green spaces and promote biodiversity. Implement rapid-growth planting methods
in urban planning and environmental projects.
o Sustainable Practices: Advocate for sustainable environmental practices and
demonstrate their effectiveness through successful case studies.
o Monumental Projects: Apply principles of engineering excellence and artistic design to
large-scale projects. Ensure that such projects contribute to cultural and historical
preservation while providing a significant impact on the community.
o Public Engagement: Use monumental projects as a means to foster national pride and
cultural awareness. Engage the public through educational and interpretive facilities
o Architectural Heritage: Preserve and promote architectural heritage in development
projects. Recognize the value of historical structures and integrate them into modern
uses where possible.
o Cultural Integration: Incorporate elements of cultural and historical significance into
project design and implementation. Highlight the importance of preserving historical
contexts while pursuing modern development goals.
o Educational Excellence: Emphasize the importance of specialized education and research
in supporting sector-specific advancements. Apply a demand-driven approach to
curriculum development and skills training.
o Interdisciplinary Approach: Promote interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and
innovation in professional settings. Encourage collaboration between different fields to
address complex challenges.

Conclusion

The study tour to Kevadia-Baroda offered invaluable insights into various aspects of
development, infrastructure, and heritage. These learning provide practical applications for
enhancing job functions and contribute to the broader goals of sustainable progress and innovation.
By integrating these insights into professional practices, we can improve resource management,
infrastructure development, community engagement, and conservation efforts, ultimately leading to
more effective and impactful projects.

*****

DHEERENDRA MOHAN KHARE

UNDER SECRETARY TO THE GOVT. OF INDIA