Uttarkashi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s one-day visit to Uttarkashi on Thursday was marked by a strong push for winter tourism in Uttarakhand. During his visit to Mukhwa and Harsil, PM Modi extended an open invitation to pilgrims, tourists, corporate professionals, and the film industry to experience the state’s beauty during the winter season.
Interestingly, he branded Uttarakhand’s winter tourism as ‘Gham Tapo Tourism’ (Basking in the Sun Tourism), highlighting the unique charm of the region.
Invitation to corporate sector, film industry, and youth
The Prime Minister called upon people from across India, especially the youth, to visit Uttarakhand in winter. He pointed out that while most of the country is shrouded in fog, the mountains bask in warm sunlight, making it an ideal destination for ‘Gham Tapo Tourism’. PM Modi urged corporates to host their meetings, conferences, and exhibitions in Uttarakhand, where they can also rejuvenate through yoga and Ayurveda. He invited college and university students to plan winter trips to the state.
Destination for film shoots and weddings
PM Modi emphasized that Uttarakhand can be a prime destination for winter weddings and film shoots. The state has already been recognized as the Most Film-Friendly State, and facilities for film shooting are being significantly enhanced. The Prime Minister also suggested developing hot springs into wellness spas and holding special winter retreats for spiritual and yoga organizations.
Role of content creators
The Prime Minister encouraged content creators to spread awareness about Uttarakhand’s winter tourism, even suggesting a national-level competition for promoting it. He concluded his speech with resounding chants of ‘Ganga Maiya ki Jai’.
Mentioned several infrastructure projects
The Prime Minister praised Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s initiative to promote winter tourism and emphasized the seamless coordination between the central and state governments. He mentioned several infrastructure projects, such as Char Dham all-weather roads, modern expressways, railways, and expanded Heli-services, which are being developed to enhance connectivity. Recently, the central government approved ropeways for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib, drastically reducing travel time and making it easier for pilgrims to undertake the journey.
Focus on border villages
PM Modi also highlighted the development of border villages, noting the sharp rise in tourist footfall in Uttarakhand. Before 2014, only 18 lakh pilgrims visited the Char Dham annually, whereas now, over 50 lakhs make the journey each year. The Vibrant Villages Programme is revitalizing settlements like Nelang and Jadung, which were abandoned after the 1962 war with China. The government is now rehabilitating these villages, and tourist facilities are being developed in places like Timmersain, Mahadev Sain, Mana, and Jadung.
CM Dhami’s warm welcome
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami extended a heartfelt welcome to PM Modi on behalf of all Uttarakhand residents. He expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s unwavering support in preserving the state’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Dhami highlighted key milestones under PM Modi’s leadership and emphasized the importance of winter tourism for the state’s economy. He also thanked the Prime Minister for allocating funds for the Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib ropeways, which will greatly benefit pilgrims and boost religious tourism.
Prominent dignitaries, including Union Minister Ajay Tamta, Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj, BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt, MP Mala Rajyalakshmi Shah, and MLA Suresh Chauhan, were present during the visit.
