The State Health Minister and Kotdwar MlA Surendra Singh Negi said that in accordance with Chief Minister Harish Rawat’s announcement, steps must be taken to develop Kanvashram in Kotdwar Assembly constituency into a tourist attraction.
Chairing a meeting with officials of the Forest Department, Irrigation and Tourism Department, Negi said that an interpretation centre and view-point have to be constructed here in addition to upgradation of the tourist rest house.
landscaping work and construction of a children park will also be done here, he said while directing tourism officials to improve condition of approach routes and construct toilet block. Addressing officials, he said that sage Kanva had his ashram at Kanvashram on the wooded banks of Malan river in Pauri.
King Bharat also undertook his initial education at Rishi Kanva’s ashram. The proximity to Rajaji national park makes this area rich in wildlife apart from native and migratory birds. Negi said, “The peaceful ambience of this place is conducive for meditation apart from which rare herbs are also found here. The CM has decided to develop Kanvashram as a tourist spot,” he said.
Officials informed that an initial estimate of Rs65.72 lakh for the said works had been submitted to the Public Works Department. Negi directed Tourism officials to use funds from the Rs1crore approved for tourism development to construct a big gate at Haldukhata.
He directed irrigation officials to make the land transfer case by April 29 for Forest Department’s 0.99 hectare land to be used for constructing a lake at the cost of Rs3.99 crore. He also directed them to submit proposals for construction of flood protection wall.