Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has accelerated its efforts to promote eco-tourism in the state. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, while reviewing the Forest Department’s preparations, directed officials to present the state’s Trekking Policy before the Cabinet by August. He also emphasized the development of new trekking sites, implementation of an online booking system, and formal training for nature guides.
The Chief Secretary said Uttarakhand has immense potential for eco-tourism, which will be linked with local livelihoods while ensuring conservation of natural resources. He directed officials to identify new trekking peaks, expedite approval processes, and complete environmental audits of proposed sites through the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board.
Key Decisions
- Trekking Policy to be placed before the Cabinet by August.
- Development of new trekking peaks and trekking destinations across the state.
- Online booking system for trekking routes, forest rest houses, and tourist destinations.
- Nine eco-tourism sites based on the Jabar Khet model to be inaugurated by October.
- Formal Nature Guide Training and Certification Programme to be launched.
- Nature guide training to begin during Wildlife Week in October.
- New operational framework for 31 trekking sites, eco-camps, and eco-hubs.
- Proposal within one month to assign operations to either the Forest Department or Forest Corporation.
Focus on Local Employment
The government aims not only to boost tourism but also to generate employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth through trained nature guides, trekking management, and eco-camp operations.
Complete Online System
All trekking routes, mountaineering activities, forest rest houses, and tourism facilities under the Forest Department will be brought under a fully online booking system to ensure transparency and prevent overbooking.
