GPS/GIS mapping to be conducted for 100 major trek and hike routes in Uttarakhand; team dispatched for technical survey – my uttarakhand news

An expedition team set out on Friday to conduct GPS/GIS mapping and technical surveys of 100 major trekking and hiking routes in Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the team’s vehicle from his camp office. Teams constituted by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board will conduct ground surveys and detailed GPS/GIS mapping of the selected trekking routes. CM Dhami remarked that Uttarakhand holds immense potential for adventure and trekking tourism. He emphasized the need to maximize the use of modern technology to systematically bring both famous trekking areas and remote, lesser-known routes onto the tourism map. He stated that this initiative would help make trekking safer, more accessible, and better organized. Alongside promoting tourism activities, ensuring the safety of tourists is a top priority for the state government. Scientific mapping of the routes will not only provide trekkers with essential information but also enhance the effectiveness of relief and rescue operations during emergencies. Special attention is being paid to conserving Uttarakhand’s sensitive Himalayan ecosystem while fostering tourism development. Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal stated that all trekking routes in the state are to be mapped using GPS and GIS technology. A navigation app will also be developed for this purpose, enabling trekkers to navigate the routes easily. Additionally, the app will alert trekkers if they stray from the path, notifying them that they are on the wrong route. Notably, this is the first time in the country that 100 trekking routes are being mapped in this manner. The benefits will extend beyond trekkers visiting Uttarakhand; other states will also be able to develop similar navigation apps. Dhiraj Garbyal further added that the department would possess comprehensive data covering the 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers of trekking routes across the state. Uttarakhand is a Himalayan state; after Nepal, it possesses the most extensive stretch of the Himalayan range—spanning approximately 6,000 kilometers. Moreover, numerous peaks exceeding an altitude of 7,000 meters are located within the state. Consequently, Uttarakhand offers immense opportunities in the adventure tourism sector; although previous attempts were made to explore this potential, they were not fully realized. Now, the focus is shifting towards developing infrastructure that facilitates trekking for tourists and trekkers alike. To this end, the team deployed for the ‘Trek Himalaya’ initiative will begin by mapping trails in the high-altitude Himalayan regions. The team has been given a one-year timeframe to map 100 trekking routes across the state. However, a navigation app will be continuously developed based on the routes mapped during this period, and the app will be made available to trekkers as they visit. A key feature of the initiative is the creation of a ‘coffee table book’ containing comprehensive information, such as details about villages along the trekking routes that offer accommodation. This initiative is expected to boost employment, promote homestays, and foster the growth of adventure tourism.