CM Pushkar Singh Dhami : The Prime Minister gave a strong message of promoting winter tourism from Mukhwa and branded Uttarakhand Winter Tourism as’ Gham Tapo ‘. He called upon the corporate world, film industry, yoga practitioners and youth to experience winter tourism in Uttarakhand.
During his one-day winter visit to Uttarkashi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi effectively promoted winter pilgrimage and tourism of Uttarakhand from Mukhwa and Harshil. He invited pilgrims, tourists, corporate sector and film industry for winter tourism. The Prime Minister described ‘Gham Tapo Tourism’ as the identity of Uttarakhand’s winter tourism.
Addressing a public meeting in Harsil, the Prime Minister expressed grief over the damage caused by the recent avalanche in Mana. He referred to the spiritual strength of Uttarakhand and shared their bonding. The Prime Minister said that it was by the grace of Maa Ganga that he got the opportunity to serve Uttarakhand and in Kashi also, he got the opportunity to serve with the blessings of Maa Ganga. He became emotional and said that he felt that Maa Ganga has adopted him, and due to this love, he has reached Mukhwa village today.
Reiterating his commitment to the prosperity and development of Uttarakhand, the Prime Minister said that this decade belongs to Uttarakhand. With the blessings of Baba Kedar, the state is achieving new goals. Lauding the initiative of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, he described winter pilgrimage as a medium to realise the economic power of Uttarakhand.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to keep tourism in Uttarakhand active throughout the year. He said most of the tourists come between March and June, leaving hotels, resorts and homestays empty the rest of the time, which affects the state’s economy. Tourists coming in winter will experience the real divinity of Devbhoomi and will be able to enjoy exciting activities like trekking, skiing.
Highlighting the importance of religious tourism, the Prime Minister said that during winters, many pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand have special rituals that deepen the spiritual experience. He reiterated the government’s commitment to develop the border villages and said that now these villages are not being called ‘last village’, but ‘first village’.
The Prime Minister suggested inviting content creators and organising competitions to popularise Uttarakhand’s winter tourism. He described Uttarakhand as a wedding destination and an ideal location for film shooting, which has been awarded the Most Film Friendly State.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mukhwa and Harshil Ghati on behalf of the people of the state. He said that there has been constant guidance and support from the Prime Minister in furthering the development and spiritual heritage of Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister highlighted the role of the Prime Minister in the successful conduct of Global Investors Summit, G20 meetings, UCC legislation and National Games.
Describing the Chardham Yatra as the mainstay of Uttarakhand’s economy, he said the closure of the portals of the shrines during winter affected tourism activities. Keeping this in mind, winter travel has been introduced in the state from this year, which will give a boost to trekking, mountain biking and adventure activities in the border areas.
The Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for dedicating the Gaurikund-Kedarnath ropeway at a cost of Rs 4,081 crore and Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib ropeway projects at a cost of Rs 2,730 crore. He expressed confidence that grand events like Nanda Rajjat Yatra and Kumbh will be successfully completed under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
Among those present on the occasion were Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, BJP State President Vishnu Dutt Sharma among others.