CM inaugurates Nayar Valley Festival
Garhwal Post Bureau
Pauri, 26 Feb: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Nayar Valley Festival at Bilkhet in Pauri Garhwal district today and on this occasion, declared that the valley will emerge as a hub of adventure tourism and self-employment for local youth. He asserted that the government is committed to ensuring development reaches the last person in society, while preserving the region’s cultural identity and natural beauty.
Announcing the establishment of a paragliding training centre in the region, the CM also unveiled development works at Rasalwan Diva Temple in Pokhra Block, Kalinka Temple in Bironkhal Block, Ekeshwar Mahadev Temple in Ekeshwar Block, and Champeshwar Mahadev Temple in Pabo Block. Reviewing departmental stalls, he distributed Mahalakshmi kits, performed the ‘Godh-Bharai’ ceremony, and handed over aids to differently-abled beneficiaries.
Dhami also flagged off adventure activities including paragliding, para-motoring, hot air ballooning, mountain biking, kayaking, angling, zip-lining, Burma bridge, and reverse bungee on this occasion. He stated that such initiatives would generate employment and strengthen the regional economy.
Extending Holi greetings to the people of the region in advance, the CM noted that nature has bestowed an incomparable blend of beauty and thrill upon Nayar Valley, making it an ideal destination for adventure tourism and a bright future for youth.
Dhami also highlighted ongoing projects such as the Rs 650 crore National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar, a Rs 135 crore sewerage treatment plant to keep the Khoh River pollution-free, the state’s first NCC Academy in Gadiya village, a solid waste processing plant in Kotdwar, and a bridge over the Malan River. He added that heritage preservation of the historic Collectorate building in Pauri, expansion of sports facilities, a modern hospital, science museum, Trident Park, Satpuli Lake, and a mountain museum and planetarium would open new avenues for tourism and employment.
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj described the festival as a crucial step in positioning Uttarakhand as a premier adventure tourism destination, while MLA Rajkumar Pori welcomed the CM and the Tourism Minister and urged that the festival be made an annual feature. The district administration successfully coordinated ten separate activities from a single platform, showcasing adventure, cultural, and public participation programmes.
Among those present on the occasion were Rajendra Anthwal and Rachna Butola, Gita Devi, Bina Rana, Mahendra Rana, District Magistrate Swati S Bhadauria, CDO Girish Gunwant and SSP Sarvesh Panwar.
