State Tourism Minister Dinesh Dhanai reviewed preparations for the programmes to be organised by the Tourism Department at Koti Colony Tehri on October 9-10. He said that there is much scope for tour operators, travel agents and developing water sports facilities in the Tehri dam reservoir. Dhanai said that tourists, those related to the Tourism Industry and adventure sports experts from India and abroad have been invited to this programme.
Indian Air Force personnel will display para jumping, paragliding and various water sports on the occasion. There is much potential for water sports in the large reservoir of the Tehri dam. Capitalising on this potential will not only benefit Uttarakhand but will exert an impact across the nation wherever the Ganga river flows.
The Minister further informed that various activities like laser light show, hot air ballooning, boating and adventure water sports will be exhibited by experts on the occasion while cultural programmes will be held on both the evenings. Chief Minister Harish Rawat will inaugurate the programme which will be followed by a panel discussion, workshops on adventure tourism policy, planning for developing Tehri dam reservoir and nearby areas. Kayaking, canoeing, rafting, wind surfing, paragliding and para jumping will also be organised during the event.
Dhanai directed officials to form a committee under the district magistrate to ensure successful organisation of the event. Tourism Department officials were directed to prepare brochures about places of historical and tourist interest near Tehri while also holding meets with tour operators and hotel owners to coordinate activities for visitors.
Public Work Department officials were told to ensure proper maintenance of the main road. The Minister further directed officials concerned to deploy volunteers for the programme and post school children to welcome tourists at places they are slated to visit. Officials were also directed by the minister to ensure deployment of the water police at the programme venue near the dam reservoir and to arrange 15 sets of walkie-talkies for the programme.
Additional CEO of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Shailesh Bagauli, Tehri district magistrate Yugal Kishore Pant, additional director, Tourism, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam managing director, Uttarakhand Hotel Association head Sandeep Sahni and others were also among those present in the meeting.