The revival of the State’s rivers and lakes should be included among the priorities of the Irrigation Department. The Naini lake in Nainital suffering from decreasing water level, should be handed over to the irrigation department for enhancing is revival and water conservation. Apart from this the tourism department should work for developing a new eco-friendly tourist destination in each of the 13 districts of Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat issued these directions while chairing a meet along with Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj to review the Irrigation, Tourism and Culture departments under the Minister.
During the review of the irrigation department, it was stated that the department had prepared a project of about Rs 53 for a three- year period to revive the Kosi river. Similar plans have also been made for Bhimtal and Naukuchiyatal lakes. Regarding the Naini lake it was stated that Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining this lake, responding to which the CM directed officials to transfer this responsibility to the irrigation department. The department was also directed to prepare a concrete plan for the revival of the Rispana and Bindal rivers in Dehradun. It was also decided that monthly meetings will be chaired by the CM of all the departments connected to the Pancheshwar dam project. He questioned what system the department has for monitoring a sudden rise in the water level in rivers or formation of temporary lakes due to some natural causes on rivers. The department was directed to use modern technology for this purpose. The CM also directed the irrigation department to facilitate laboratory testing of water samples from the Ganga collected at various places from Gaumukh to Haridwar.
Reviewing the Tourism and Culture departments, Rawat directed that new tourist spots should be developed in each district. A study should be conducted to ascertain and resolve the tourism and infrastructure related issues in existing tourist destinations. Bookings for the home-stay scheme should be included in the packages of Garhwal and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigams. Rawat said that a timeline should be fixed to ensure that all Prasad is made from native produce. Apart from directing publicity of comparatively lesser known religious and tourism spots, the CM also directed that documentation be undertaken to encourage regional recipies. It was stated in the meeting that work on the Kedarnath ropeway is underway. Survey and mapping work is being conducted for the planned development of nine villages near Kedarnath. Yamunotri-Kharsali and Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeways are also among the priorities of the tourism department. Reviewing the GMVN and KMVN, Rawat directed officials of both the corporations to undertake planned efforts for curtailing loss and increasing sources of revenue.
He also directed that a helicopter should also be made available in case of emergencies for pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to be held from June 12 to September 8 this year. Senior officials of the departments concerned were also present in the review meetings.