PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that the initiative to promote the winter Chardham Yatra and tourism activities in winters will help in connecting people with employment throughout the year. He was addressing the inaugural session of the three day Winter Tourism Conclave in Uttarkashi on Wednesday. Dhami said that the conclave is not just a formal dialogue, but a joint effort to give a new direction to tourism in Uttarakhand. He welcomed and encouraged tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, homestay operators, taxi and transport union representatives and those involved in adventure tourism. The CM said that today, the country’s major cities are grappling with pollution, rising temperatures, traffic and stress. “In such a situation, Uttarakhand can become a natural healing destination and the government is continuously working to ensure it. Uttarakhand is no longer limited to the Chardham Yatra but is moving towards becoming a major hub for wellness, nature, adventure, culture, yoga, meditation and sustainable tourism,’’ he said. Describing the role of tour operators as extremely important, the CM said that setting trends and branding a destination is in everyone’s hands. He averred that the time has come to make Uttarakhand a 12-month tourism State and not just a four or six month one. When tourism remains active throughout the year, the state’s economic situation will also improve significantly. 
While interacting with all tourism stakeholders, the CM stated that the government is ready to assist at every level—whether it’s permitting, connectivity, infrastructure or marketing support. Additionally, the Tourism department is further strengthening the single-window system, digital approvals, and fast-track support for investors. He said that tourism doesn’t just mean big hotels. It’s only when village women’s homestays are full, local youth drive taxis, mountain youth become trekking guides, folk artists are provided a platform and farmers’ products reach tourists directly—that tourism will be meaningful. “The government has simplified the homestay policy, connected women with the Lakhpati Didi scheme, launched local guide training programs, and integrated vocal for local approach with tourism,’’ he said. Emphasizing on environment and culture, the CM clarified that the government wants development, but not at the cost of destruction. He urged all tour operators to include Uttarkashi, Harshil, Mukhba, Nelang, Chamoli, Auli, Munsyari, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag and border villages in their tourism packages. MLAs Suresh Chauhan, Durgeshwar Lal and others also attended the conclave. Will not allow anyone to fiddle with the State’s culture: CM DEHRADUN: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has reiterated that no one will be allowed to fiddle with the culture of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Addressing Magh Mela in Uttarkashi on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Wednesday, the CM said that though ‘ Athiti Devo Bhav’ is the tradition of Uttarakhand but no one will be allowed to tamper with the honour of the State. He said that the government has enacted anti riot law, anti-conversion law and has acted against love and land Jihad. A strict land law has been implemented and more than 1000 acres of government land is freed from encroachers.
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