Three new Detailed Project Reports (DPR) were sanctioned in the third State level meeting of infrastructure development investment programme. The DPRs were approved during a meeting led by Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar held at the secretariat on Tuesday. This also involves adventure sports, restoration of Pithoragarh fort and special types of signage.

It was decided during the meeting that in order to generate employment for the locals, activities such as rafting, beach camping an adventure activities will be carried out in the banks of rivers Mandakini, Alaknanda Mahakali, Tons, Sarya and Ramganga. The proposed project intends to carry out activities such as rafting, rock climbing, rope activities, angling and trekking with help of private sector. This will be carried out within the budget of Rs11.86 crore. Besides this, Rs4.51 crore will be invested in modernizing Pitthoragarh fort. 

The DPR includes a proposal of installing signage. Under this, 15 welcome sign boards will be installed in the State at a cost of Rs16 crore. 25 boards will be set up to give information regarding 25 main tourist spots. Rs3.61 crore will be used to put 216 special signage. In the first stage, 50 signage will be installed. Talks were also held to relax the mountain climbing fees. This will encourage people to come to Uttarakhand. The forest department has agreed on this. Government order will be released within a week.

During meeting additional CS Rakesh Sharma, Principal Secretary Forest Ramaswamy, Secretary Urban development DS Gabryal, Secretary Tourism Umakant Panwar, Additional Secretary Sachin Kurwe and Additional Secretary forest Manoj Chandran amongst others were present there.