State Govt is driving a robust Tourism Agenda: Dhami

CM launches photographer Bhumesh Bharti’s Coffee Table Book, ‘Aerial Vistas of Uttarakhand’

By Arun Pratap Singh

Dehradun, 2 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today unveiled ‘Aerial Vistas of Uttarakhand’, a coffee table book authored by renowned photographer Bhumesh Bharti, at his official residence, here. Addressing a gathering of photographers, art and nature aficionados, media pwersons and various other dignitaries, Dhami lauded Bharti’s 15 years of persistent effort, passion, and his profoundly sensitive portrayal of Uttarakhand’s natural and cultural heritage through evocative photography. This event was presented by Garhwal Post along with some other organisations.

On this occasion, a cake was also cut by the CM to celebrate 29 years of Garhwal Post’s existence.

Describing Bharti as more than just a photographer, the CM acknowledged him as a true artist who perceives the soul of nature and translates it into a visual narrative through his camera. He stated that the book is bound to captivate readers with Uttarakhand’s unspoiled allure and inspire them to experience the state in person. Dhami also added that the pictures taken by Bharti were not merely photos depicting the beauty of Uttarakhand but carried an emotional depth and huge experience behind each of them.

Emphasising the composite identity of Uttarakhand as a rare fusion of scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and spiritual energy, Dhami reaffirmed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is actively driving forward a robust tourism agenda. He highlighted that the newly formulated Tourism Policy has created a promising environment for investors, with an objective to elevate ‘Destination Uttarakhand’ to global recognition. He also felt that this book will play a significant role in attracting more tourists and pilgrims to Uttarakhand from across the country and the world.

Elaborating on these efforts, the CM also detailed the government’s integrated approach towards nurturing diverse sectors such as religious tourism, adventure sports, eco-tourism, wellness, agro-tourism, and film tourism. He pointed out that while the grand Manaskhand Corridor is being developed in the model of Kedarkhand, systematic initiatives are concurrently underway to position Rishikesh and Haridwar on the international map as yoga and spiritual capitals. He added that winter tourism has been newly introduced as an innovative idea, taking inspiration from the PM’s recent visit to Harsil-Mukhba, and adventure activities like trekking, rafting, paragliding, skiing, and mountaineering are being actively encouraged. This would boost round the year tourism in the state, he claimed. He added that with Delhi Dehradun Expressway to start soon, the footfall of tourists is bound to increase multiple times. In order to deal with the challenge to manage this increased footfall, the government in support of the Centre is pursuing two 26 kilometre long elevated corridors on Rispana and Bindal Rivers to ease traffic situation in Dehradun and an outer ring road is also being planned to divert inflowing traffic from Paonta Sahib, Haridwar and Delhi into Dehradun. He mentioned that a special grant has been sought from NITI Aayog for infrastructure geared toward supporting the burgeoning floating tourist population.

Dhami added that the state has facilitated film production through a single-window clearance system and has rolled out special incentives and support for filmmakers, resulting in Uttarakhand being honoured as the ‘Most Film Friendly State’ at the National Film Awards.

Dhami observed that the state is swiftly emerging as a preferred tourism investment hub both domestically and internationally. He shared that four villages, Jakhol, Harsil, Gunji, and Supi, were recently awarded the ‘Best Tourism Village Award’ by the Union Ministry of Tourism. Reaffirming his government’s vision, the CM pledged unwavering resolve to elevate Uttarakhand to the forefront of national development.

He proudly noted the state’s numerous achievements, including ranking first in the SDG Index, pioneering the Gross Environment Product (GEP) model, and becoming the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He further shared that over 6,500 acres of encroached land have been reclaimed and innovative development strategies are being consistently adopted.

The event also marked the entry of Garhwal Post into the third decade, with the Chief Minister ceremoniously cutting a cake in celebration. Senior journalist Satish Sharma proposed the vote of thanks. The event was also attended by Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister Banshidhar Tiwari, Doon University Vice Chancellor Prof Surekha Dangwal, PCCF and HoFF Samir Sinha, former DGP Aloke Lal, Dr RK Jain and others.