By Our Staff Reporter
New Delhi, 1 Apr: Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said that the new tourism policy of the state government will attract private investors. Due to this, where the tourism sector will develop in the state, a large number of people will also get employment opportunities. Maharaj said these things at the conclusion of the two-day Chintan Shivir organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi.
Satpal Maharaj said that the government is creating infrastructure for the convenience of tourists coming to the state of Uttarakhand. The role of private investment is also important in this. In view of this, the state government has given industry status to tourism. The new tourism policy of the state government will attract private investors. He said that the state government’s new tourism policy 2023 will encourage private industries in the tourism sector in the state. In the new tourism policy 2023, a provision of 100 percent capital subsidy has been made for new tourism products and services such as heli tourism, caravan tourism, adventure tourism, cab operators (electric vehicles only). As a result of efforts to simplify the business environment in the state, the state‘s Ease of Doing Business ranking has increased from 23rd rank in 2015 to 11th by 2021. In the year 2022, Uttarakhand has been placed in the category of achievers.
The Tourism Minister said that Uttarakhand has been a favorite destination for film shootings. The mountainous terrain of Nainital, Mussoorie, Ganga, Chardham, Jim Corbett, Garhwal and Kumaon in the state has been attracting filmmakers. According to the tourism policy of the state government, the producers play an important role in getting quick approval for the film site.
Satpal Maharaj further added that according to the guidelines of the Prime Minister and under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the state government is getting the work done in a phased manner with the aim of developing Badrinath Dham as a Smart Spritual Hill Town. At the same time, the state government is working fast on improving connectivity with other regions of the country. An expressway is being constructed from Delhi to Dehradun, which will reduce the distance between the two cities to two and a half hours. Apart from this, air services are also being expanded in the state.
Chardham Yatra is going to start in the state from next April. Registration is mandatory for the trip. Arrangements have been made for registration through four means for the passengers. Devotees can register themselves through online portal, mobile app, on call and WhatsApp. Under the registration process which started from February 21, more than 7 lakh 73 thousand registrations have been done so far.
Astro tourism has immense potential in Uttarakhand. Chamoli’s Benital is recognized as the Astro Village of the country. Apart from this, astro tourists can enjoy stargazing from Bageshwar, Bhimtal, Kausani, Munsiyari and Khalia Top. To establish the state as a famous wedding destination, the renovation and beautification work of the world famous Triyuginarayan temple will be started soon. Apart from this, Saraikhet in Almora and Marchula in Nainital are being developed as wedding destinations. The famous Chitai Golu Dev Temple of Almora will also be developed as a wedding destination.
Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Tourism Self-Employment Scheme was started to connect the youth of the state with employment. So far more than 7,200 (seven thousand two hundred) people have got employment under this scheme. Deendayal Upadhyaya Homestay Yojana is being run in the state to provide clean, affordable and standard residential facilities in rural areas for foreign and domestic tourists. So far 4600 dwelling units have been registered in rural and urban areas. About 16,500 (sixteen thousand five hundred) people have got employment opportunities directly and indirectly. Representatives of various states including Uttarakhand state participated in Chintan Shivir.
