Udaipur’s Eco-Tourism Gets a Boost – Governor Gulab Chand Kataria Inaugurates Water Structures and Shiv Van Garden at Ubeshwar Ji

Jaipur, Aug 2025 – In the presence of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria as chief guest, along with Forest & Environment Minister Sanjay Sharma and Tribal Area Development Minister Babulal Kharadi, the Forest Department on Tuesday inaugurated newly built water structures and the Shiv Van Garden at Ubeshwar Ji, a natural and spiritual site near Udaipur. Udaipur City MLA Tarachand Jain, Rural MLA Phoolsingh Meena, and Air Force Wing Commander V.V. Mehra were also present.

Located about 20 km from Udaipur amidst the Aravalli Hills, Ubeshwar Ji features a Shiva temple beside a natural pond and waterfall. To enhance its appeal, the Forest Department has constructed three-tiered water structures and developed the Shiv Van Garden.

Governor Kataria said that with the blessings of Lord Ubeshwar Mahadev, developmental works in the area have been possible. Following the Chaturmas of Saint Avdheshanand Maharaj, the site developed rapidly and became a tourist attraction. He noted that Udaipur’s lakes are the lifeline of its tourism, and efforts under the Dewas Project to keep them full year-round have been successful. He predicted that the Ubeshwar waterfall will soon become a major tourist draw and a new identity for Udaipur’s natural tourism. He also emphasized the vast potential for eco-tourism in Udaipur and called for identifying and developing new sites.

Forest & Environment Minister Sanjay Sharma said Udaipur already holds a prominent place on the international tourism map, and the development of such sites around the city will offer tourists additional options. Eco-tourism destinations like this are also vital for environmental conservation. He credited Governor Kataria for the original idea behind Udaipur’s newly developed tourist spots, noting that Kataria continues to guide and inspire development even while serving as Punjab’s Governor.

Tribal Area Development Minister Babulal Kharadi said that Governor Kataria’s concern for Rajasthan remains steadfast despite being based in Punjab, and that under his guidance, new tourist destinations are being created. He added that several sites from the era of Maharana Pratap could become key tourist attractions if identified and developed.

Tree Plantation under ‘Hariyalo Rajasthan’
At the start of the event, Governor Kataria, Minister Sharma, Minister Kharadi, and other guests planted saplings under the Hariyalo Rajasthan – A Tree in Mother’s Name campaign.

Selfie with a Tree – Get a Certificate
Minister Sharma urged people to plant trees as part of Hariyalo Rajasthan. He said that by taking a selfie with the planted tree and uploading it to the campaign’s portal, individuals will receive a digital certificate featuring photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, as proof of their participation in the campaign.