Ahmedabad, Sep 17 (IANS) From taking a stroll along the Sardar Sarovar Dam site, visiting a cactus garden in Narmada district, to releasing a basket full of fluttering butterflies into a Butterfly Garden in Kevadiya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in numerous activities in Gujarat on Tuesday to mark his 69th birthday.
Modi, who arrived in Gujarat post midnight, sought his mother's blessings early Tuesday morning.
He then landed in Kevadiya in Narmada District in a chopper to perform pooja at the Sardar Sarovar Dam site. The dam venue has been decorated ahead of the PM's visit.
He also visited the Khalvani Eco-Tourism site in Kevadiya and strolled across the rope bridge that was constructed across the river there for sports enthusiasts.
He took a safari ride on a special jeep with zebra-patterns at the Jungle Safari Tourist Park in Kevadiya. Watched the animals there, and took a stroll around to soak in the beauty of the safari park.
Later, the PM visited the Khalvani Eco-Tourism site in Kevadiya and a Cactus Garden. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Governor Acharya Devvrat were also present. He took a stroll along the banks of the Sardar Sarovar Dam site.
At the Butterfly Garden in Kevadiya, the Prime Minister smiled as he released a large basket full of butterflies into the park.
He also visited the Ekta Nursery, situated in the vicinity of the Statue of Unity. The nursery manufactures various traditional eco-friendly products and offers a live demonstration of the manufacturing process to visitors.
Later he offered prayers at the Sardar Sarovar Dam site.
Earlier, before landing at Kevadiya, the PM did an aerial survey of the Statue of Liberty. He tweeted: "Have a look at the majestic ‘Statue of Unity', India's tribute to the great Sardar Patel."
The pooja he performed at the dam was part of the Namami Devi Narmada Mahotsav which is being organised by the Vijay Rupani government to mark the rise of water levels 138.68 metres in the Sardar Sarovar reservoir.
The water has risen to this level for the first time after its height was raised in 2017.
The PM would be addressing a public meeting later on Tuesday.
He was greeted by a large number of people across the country. Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi wished him a healthy, happy and long life. Union Ministers and BJP leaders Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman and S. Jaishankar have wished him, too.
--IANS
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