CM Patel inagurates Vibrant Gujarat Conference for south Gujarat

Surat, May 1 (PTI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday inagurated the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Surat and highlighted the state's transformation as an investment hub.
    Gujarat has undergone a major shift over the past two decades, overcoming challenges related to electricity, water and road infrastructure, he said on the occasion.
    Initiatives such as the Jyotigram scheme ensured 24-hour electricity supply, while Narmada waters were carried to arid regions like Kutch through an extensive canal and pipeline network, the chief minister said.
    "From basic infrastructure challenges, Gujarat has emerged as a model of balanced growth, with tourism flourishing from the Rann of Kutch to eco-tourism hubs in hilly regions," he said.

    Highlighting Gujarat's maritime legacy, Patel said the state's ports, which historically served as global trade centres, have been modernised to drive economic growth.
    Gujarat today handles 40 per cent of the country's total cargo, turning its long coastline into a gateway of prosperity, Patel said.

    The Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summit, launched in 2003 when Narendra Modi was chief minister, played a key role in positioning the state as a preferred investment destination, he said.
    "Over the last 24 years, Gujarat has attracted USD 68.9 billion in foreign direct investment and contributes 18 per cent to the country's industrial output," Patel said.

    The state's tax revenue has increased from Rs 9,000 crore in 2001 to Rs 1.55 lakh crore at present, while power generation capacity has reached 53,000 MW, he said.

    Gujarat also accounts for 15 per cent of India's renewable energy capacity, the chief minister pointed out.

     The state has made rapid progress in agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors, and emerging industries such as semiconductors are gaining ground in hubs like Sanand and Dholera where two plants are already operational, Patel said.

     Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences aim to bring investment opportunities to different regions based on their strengths, he said.

     Earlier conferences in North Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch resulted in around 6,800 memorandums of understanding worth Rs 9 lakh crore, boosting local industries under the 'Vocal for Local' and 'Local to Global' initiatives, the CM said.

    Describing South Gujarat as a major industrial powerhouse, Patel said sectors such as textiles and gems and jewellery in Surat, chemicals and petrochemicals in Ankleshwar, Bharuch and Vapi, and pharmaceuticals and horticulture in Navsari and Valsad contribute significantly to the state's economy.

     The state holds a 33 per cent share in India's chemical industry, the CM noted.

    Patel added that Surat is emerging as a multi-modal transport hub with connectivity through dedicated freight corridors, highways, ports, airports, metro rail and the upcoming bullet train, which will further strengthen its position as a key economic centre.

    Outlining the roadmap for 'Viksit Gujarat 2047', he said the government is focusing on improving both "Living Well" and "Earning Well" by enhancing healthcare, education, safety and infrastructure while promoting economic growth.

    "To realize the Prime Minister's vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, we have prepared the roadmap for Viksit Gujarat 2047, aligning with the Prime Minister's goal of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," Patel said.

    The state aims to increase its share in India's exports to 40 per cent and focus on future sectors such as electric vehicles, green hydrogen, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, he said.

    Patel also said that six regional economy master plans have been prepared, covering 29 mega projects across priority sectors tailored to each region's strengths.

    Calling upon industry leaders to participate, Patel said Gujarat is moving forward with a clear vision to contribute to a developed and self-reliant India.

    Union Jal Shakti Minister and Lok Sabha MP from Navsari C R Paatil along with Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri were also present at the inagural event.

    In his speech, Paatil emphasised that sustainable development must be accompanied by responsible water usage, especially in industrial regions.
    Citing concerns over excessive groundwater extraction, he said industries should shift towards using surface water to avoid long-term environmental consequences.

     A large-scale water conservation initiative launched following a call by the prime minister in September 2024 has mobilised over 70 lakh people, resulting in the creation of additional storage of about 2 billion cubic metres of water, he said.

     Nearly 83 per cent of water in the country is used for agriculture, 14 per cent for domestic purposes and only about 2.5 per cent for industry. But in areas where industries are located, they use more water and often extract groundwater, which leads to serious consequences, said Paatil.

    To overcome this situation, the minister urged industries to utilise only surface water instead of extracting groundwater.


     In Surat, the municipal corporation is generating revenue of around Rs 350-360 crore by supplying treated water and is expanding such efforts, the minister noted.

     Surat has consistently demonstrated resilience and self-reliance, recovering quickly from past crises and continuing its growth trajectory, he said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)