Uttarakhand Chief Minster Harish Rawat for separate ropeway corporation

DEHRADUN: With a view to consolidate infrastructure along Chardham yatra route, Uttarakhand Chief Minster Harish Rawat has said a separate ropeway corporation will be set up to expand the ropeway network in the state.

He asked the PWD, Irrigation and Tourism departments to constitute a team of committed personnel who can work in the remote high altitude regions of the state in this regard.

During a meeting with officials of these departments yesterday, Rawat said the first phase of the action plan concerning Chardham Yatra has been completed and its second phase is being worked out, an official release here said.

Chardham, Hemkund Sahib and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra should keep going uninterrupted along with efforts to link culture with tourism to lure more visitors to the state, he said.

Detailing works to be taken up during the second phase of Chardham action plan, he spoke of ghats to be constructed along Mandakini river, flood protection measures to be undertaken along its banks and reconstruction work which remains to be done close to Kedarnath shrine, the release said.

Footpaths have to be improved and shelters have to be built at a distance of every 100-150 metre on the yatra route for the convenience of pilgrims, Rawat said.

He also underlined the need to set up a Ropeway Corporation to expand the ropeway network in the state.

Laying emphasis on the need to link the unique culture of the state with tourism, he said cultural shows should be organized on a large scale in Dehradun, Rishikesh and Almora during the month of June to attract more tourists.

The Chief Minster said it was necessary to adopt tunnel technology for alternative roads and slope stabilization technique in sensitive landslide zones on the road leading to Badrinath.

Yamunotri and Gangotri should be developed besides grasslands, trek routes and other tourist spots near Chardham so that infrastructure facilities developed for the yatra can be used throughout the year, he added.

Alternative routes should be developed along with traditional routes for Kailash Mansarovar yatra besides creation of helipad backup near the important shrines and tourist places, he said.