In a bid to expedite the rebuilding of trekking routes, which were damaged in disaster 2013 or cloud burst, the State Government has sanctioned `49 crore. This was decided in high powered committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma. During the meeting, the committee has sanctioned `49 crore for trekking routes under Uttarakhand Emergency Assistance Project.
The committee has sanctioned six trekking routes in principle, it is learnt. Besides, a trekking route would be made in Kedarnath with a estimated cost of `25 crore and the route will be used to evacuate people from Kedarnath in case of emergency or disaster. During the meeting, the committee has approved six trekking routes including Munsyari-Milam-Dhung, Kailash-Mansarovar Pindari glacier, Khati-Sundardhunga, Kafini glacier and Janki Chatti-Yamunotri. In these routes, the department would construct shades for the trekkers, drinking water facilities, bridge, bench, railing, toilets, drainage system, safety wall and the like. Chief Secretary instructed the officials concerned to execute works in disaster -affected districts under the monitoring of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and SDRF.
He also reviewed the development of 38 rescue helipads, which are being constructed under the supervision of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Authority. During the meeting, the officials apprised that 12 helipads have been constructed, for 11 helipads tenders will be floated, for 15 tender process is about to complete. CS instructed them to identify 20 places which are important commercially so that commercial service can be launched by October 15. He also asked for speedy installation of lighting and visual equipments, flood light and heli approach path indicator. He also stressed on construction of the directors’ room, and communication room.