The State Government is going to develop a special tourism circuit to bring important tourist destinations, including glaciers and 'Bugyal' in upper Himalayan region of Uttarakhand on the global tourist map.
More so, the State Government would also set up an institution for development of the adventure tourism across the State.At the same time to attract the tourists in these tourist destinations of the upper Himalayan region, the State Government would strengthen air connectivity.
“Many people wish to visit the glaciers and ‘Bugyal’ in Uttarakhand. However, due to poor connectivity, their wishes remained unfulfilled. Keeping in view these drawbacks, we are going to strengthen our air connectivity,” said Chief Minister Harish Rawat during his Kumaon visit here on Sunday.
He also stressed on the need to develop road network saying that extending road connectivity up to Milam in upper Himalayan region in Pithoragarh is on his priority list. Thus promoting tourism activity would also explore job opportunities for many a needy in the State, the Chief Minister said.
Rawat also stressed on the need to promote small scale industries, including handicraft sector which has been mainstay of economy of people of the upper Himalayan region like Dharchula and Munsyari in Pithoragarh.
It is to note that woolen and other handicraft products made by the people of Dharchula and Munsiyari particularly the 'Bhotiya' community are still high in demand in the national and international market.
"The Government is working on developing these traditional trades. More so we are also working on developing proper marking of the products being prepared by the people in the Himalayan region like Dharchula and Munsiyari," the Chief Minister added. The people of this Dharchula and Munsiyari regions have greatly contributed to the Uttarakhand's economic development by way of doing trade with Tibet and China and Nepal.
Speaking at the Johar Mahotsav here on Sunday, the Chief Minister stressed on the need to preserve Uttarakhand's cultural heritage. It is good to see that the 'Johar' and 'shauka' cultures are getting expanded in other parts of the region. "This is our duty to make the next generation aware about our ancient culture and civilisation," he added.
It is to note that the 'Johar' and 'shauka' cultures basically originate from Dharchula and Munsiyari in Pithoragarh. Among other State Finance Minister and MlA from Haldwani Indira Hridayesh and chairman of the Uttarakhand disaster management Prayag Bhatt were also present on this occasion. The Johar Mahtosav was organised by the Johar Cultural and Welfare Society. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced Rs5 lakh for setting up modern library at the Johar Janmilan Kendra.