A Kutchi turban clad boy in his late 20s welcomes people at the gates of ‘Mahefeel-e-Rann’, a village resort on the dry land of Banni. A smile on his face makes you forget the cries you just heard about the worst drought in 30 years in the region. His expressions clearly echo the words of actor and former Gujarat Tourism brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan: “Kutch nahin Dekha to Kuch Nahin Dekha..” (If you’ve not seen Kutch, you’ve not seen anything).

Set up and operated by duo Salambhai and Harunbhai from Hodka village, the resort, is no less than the luxury resorts in the serene locations of Kerala or Goa. “The difference is just about water,” Harunbhai says as he leads people to the Bhungas, traditional huts with grass-thatched roof especially designed for guests of Ranotsav, a desert festival started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2006.

“This has become an attractive business opportunity as well as livelihood alternative for the people of Banni, who mostly depended on cattle-rearing. Now, the youth get employed for at least four months through the Rann Utsav (held from November to March). This has helped reduce the distress situation to a great extent,” said Harunbhai.

“I have been working here for five years and our four months’ earnings are big support for the rest of the year,” says Gul Muhammad. Each such resort employs about 7-10 people with a salary starting from ₹6,000-7,000 per month.

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