Joint efforts should be undertaken in order to achieve international level development of Auli for which the locals too have an important role to play. The Garhwal commissioner CS Napalchyal said this while chairing a meet to review preparations for the national sking and snowboarding competition and winter carnival slated to be held here in February this year.
Discussing the working of various committees formed for the purpose, the Garhwal commissioner directed officials concerned to complete necessary arrangements in time for the winter carnival slated to be held from February 12 to 16. Junior and senior level competition will be for girls and boys with invitations already being sent to various Indian states.
Stating that the national level winter games and carnival should be organised as an impressive event, Napalchyal he directed the officials concerned to complete all necessary arrangements to meet the deadline. He also instructed the technical department of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) to ensure that the Auli ropeway and other equipment is in good working order. Officials informed that the snow-gun here is presently not in working order due to lack of maintenance. Napalchyal directed that expert advice be sought and technical experts be called if needed to resolve the issue. The commissioner directed officials of the Health Department to ensure proper arrangement of ambulance and medical team during the winter games. The Public Works Department officials were directed to ensure maintenance of roads during this period and to arrange for excavators, salt and lime to clear snow from the road. He stressed that efforts should be made to ensure that the supply of power and water remains regular during the event. The Joshimath municipal council chairperson Rohini Rawat pointed out that there was no water in the artificial lake developed in the area. The Garhwal commissioner directed the officials concerned to ensure that the artificial lake has enough water to facilitate an enjoyable experience for the visitors. local representatives raised the demand for construction of an ice skating rink in Auli. Responding to the demand, the president of winter games association, Uttarakhand, SS Pangti informed that a proposal to this effect had already been sent to the State Government. Chamoli district magistrate Vinod Kumar Suman, district superintendent of police Sunil Kumar Meena, block Pramukh Prakash Rawat, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) commandant R Subramanian and other officers concerned were also present in the meeting.