The State Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj has directed the officials concerned to get the chair-lift at Auli repaired.
On Tuesday, the Minister directed the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam managing director regarding the immediate repair of the chair lift which is not operating due to a technical snag at the winter sports destination of Auli near Joshimath. Maharaj stressed that it is vital to immediately repair the the chair lift in view of the proposed International Ski Federation (FIS) races and for the convenience of the tourists arriving here across India and abroad.
The Minister also directed the managing directors of Garhwal Mandal Vikash Nigam and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam to ensure concrete steps for cleanliness and beautification of tourist rest houses. Major efforts are needed to raise the two corporations up from loss, he added.
It should be mentioned here that in its edition dated January 29, The Pioneer had reported about the chair lift being out of working order in Auli at a time when thousands of tourists were arriving to enjoy the snow and snow-sports. Due to the chair-lift being out of working order, a large number of visitors are walking up the snow covered slope which according to observers is scattering the snow and escalating its melting rate.
