Tehri being developed as tourism hub: Dhami

CM inaugurates Jaunpur Mahotsav, unveils projects worth Rs 52 crores
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dhanaulti (Tehri), 12 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today inaugurated the Ninth Jaunpur Mahotsav and Sports-Cultural Event at Thatyur in Dhanaulti Assembly constituency of Tehri Garhwal district. On the occasion, he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 26 development projects worth Rs 52.55 crores. These include the inauguration of 11 projects worth over Rs 30.50 crores and the foundation laying of 15 projects worth over Rs 22.04 crores. The projects are related to road construction and improvement, education, irrigation, parking facilities, animal husbandry and other basic infrastructure. The CM also made a number of important announcements for the region’s overall development including upgrading the CHC at Thatyud into a Sub-district hospital.
Extending his greetings to the people on the occasion of Jaunpur Mahotsav, Dhami said that such events are important platforms for the preservation and promotion of the state’s rich folk culture, traditions, folk arts and music. He said these festivals provide an opportunity for the younger generation to connect with their cultural heritage, while sports competitions encourage youth to showcase their talents and excel.
Dhami asserted that the government is committed to developing Tehri and adjoining regions as major tourism destinations. He stated that work is under way to develop a special tourism zone around Tehri Lake and nearby areas at an estimated cost of around Rs 1,300 crores. Construction of a ring road around the lake is also in progress, which will not only boost tourism activities but also create fresh employment opportunities for local residents. He added that activities such as kayaking, canoeing and paragliding are being promoted to establish Tehri Lake as a leading hub for adventure tourism and water sports. He added that permanent protection works costing around Rs 6 crore have been completed to address the persistent landslide problem on the Kempty-Chadogi motor road and that the realignment and blacktopping of the Kempty-Chadogi light vehicle motor road have been completed at a cost exceeding Rs 10 crores. For the convenience of tourists, a vehicle parking facility is also being developed at Kaddukhal at a cost of more than Rs 8 crores.
The CM claimed that preventing migration from hill areas remains one of the government’s key priorities. To achieve this, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, local products and self-employment are being actively promoted. He further said that initiatives such as the State Millet Mission, Farm Machinery Bank, Apple Mission, the new tourism policy and homestay schemes in Uttarakhand campaign are creating new livelihood opportunities at the local level.
Dhami said that while the government is expanding facilities relating to roads, electricity, drinking water, education and healthcare, equal emphasis is being placed on preserving the state’s religious and cultural heritage. Announcing key development measures for the Jaunpur region, Dhami approved the construction of the Dhanaulti-Moriyana-Nag Tibba motor road and announced sanctions of Rs 2.73 crores for a flood protection scheme from Paligad to Thatyur Bazaar in Jaunpur block and Rs 4.72 crores for safeguarding the populated area of Bhavan Bazaar. He also announced the upgradation of the Thatyur Community Health Centre into a sub-district hospital. The CM further said that demands relating to the construction and blacktopping of various roads in the area would be examined and considered for inclusion in future announcements.
During the programme, Dhami praised progressive farmer Kabul Chand Pundir of Sabli Gram Sabha for his innovations in agriculture and horticulture. He described as inspirational Pundir’s efforts to promote self-employment through the cultivation of apple, ginger, kiwi, saffron, flowers, potato and rosemary under the Apple Mission.
The Chief Minister also conferred the ‘Jaunpur Ratna’ honour on litterateur Devendra Prasad Chamoli of Papra Gram Sabha in recognition of his significant contribution to literature and the preservation of local language through translations of important texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Garhwali.
On the occasion, Jaunpur Mahotsav Committee president Virendra Rana presented an address of welcome to the Chief Minister, while programme chairman Surendra Rawat presented a memento.
Local MLA Pritam Singh Panwar thanked the CM for the various development projects under implementation and those already sanctioned in the region. He said the Jaunpur area possesses immense potential in agriculture, horticulture and tourism.
Among those present were Minister of State ranked Geeta Rawat, BJP district president Uday Rawat, former MLA Mahavir Rangad, Mussoorie Municipal Council chairperson Meera Saklani and former chairman Manmohan Mall.