The identity of Rishikesh as the Yoga capital should be maintained, said Union Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr Mahesh Sharma. He said this while inaugurating the international Yoga festival at Rishikesh on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion, Sharma said that there is immense scope for tourism in Uttarakhand-the land of the Himalayas and the Ganga. Tourism can reach new heights with the use of aviation.
Responding to the Chief Minister Harish Rawat’s proposal for developing the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, Sharma expressed agreement and said that parking and cargo facilities can be developed here. He further stated that only 0.64 per cent international tourists visit India resulting in the receipt of foreign currency amounting to about Rs one lakh crore. If one per cent of international tourists are attracted to India, the contribution of the tourism sector to the GDP would reach to about nine per cent.
Generally, it takes about two years to implement Central schemes but delay in the reconstruction works in Kedarnath is only natural considering the difficult terrain and climatic conditions there. Considering this, a target of three years has been set to complete the reconstruction works in Kedarnath. In case of inclement conditions, this duration could be extended to four years, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM Harish Rawat said that the ancient sages and Yogacharyas of India made a vital contribution to the international fame of Yoga. Rishikesh has become reputed as the place for Yoga and the practice of Yoga can achieve new heights if the Government of India establishes a Yoga Research Institution here. The State Government is identifying 1,000 government schools in the urban areas for appointment of part-time Yoga teachers. If anyone in the private sector opens a Yoga and meditation centre, salaries for 75 per cent of the Yoga teachers in the centre will be disbursed by the State.
The State will also look into the possibility of including Yoga research centre under the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali tourism self employment scheme, he said. Rawat further said the Char Dham Yatra is the top priority of the State. “We are hoping that 75 per cent of the routine Char Dham volume will be regained. Kedarnath is a sign of our will power with our people continuing work there even in -6 degrees Celsius,” said the CM.
Rawat also requested Sharma to facilitate development of the Jolly Grant airport into an international airport. He also pointed at the need for developing proper facilities for landing at Pantnagar airport. Welcoming participants on the occasion, State Tourism minister Dinesh Dhanai said that more than 350 participants from foreign nations are attending the Yoga festival till March 7.