Uttaranchal

The state of Uttaranchal has fast emerged as a major tourist destination. This could be attributed to its richly endowed natural splendour. This picturesque state provides tourists a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas. While it took 55 years for the union government of India to realise that tourism is an important economic activity, Uttaranchal right from inception has pledged to emerge as a tourism power. The second year of operations witnessed tourism activities to highlight the state's diverse attractions. In the first phase, the focus was on a consistent campaign to create an identity. While in the second phase, the promotion was on specific products, such as adventure tourism, eco-tourism and spiritual tourism.

Nevertheless last year, during a meeting of the National Committee on Eco-Tourism and Mountains, the Union tourism minister, Jagmohan announced that Uttaranchal would be developed as a key eco-tourism destination in the country and in pursuance of this, the government of India is developing four to five eco-tourism centres to project the state as an ideal eco destination worldover. To begin with, Uttaranchal, Leh and Ladakh have been identified for this purpose.

Eco-Initiatives

Uttaranchal has a rare diversity of flora and fauna. This makes it an ideal destination for the development of eco-tourism projects and activities like jungle safaris, trekking on mountain and forest trails, nature walks, catch and release angling for Mahaseer and other fish species. All these activities have to be conducted in a manner that promotes awareness of environment and helps maintain the fragile ecological balance.

The state has also prepared numerous master plans for several new projects seeking private sector investment. These would include the establishment of a new ski resort at Dayara Bugyal, district Uttarkashi, establishment of an eco-city in Hempur near George Everest Park, development of an eco-tourism project on 200 acres of land at George, Everest Estate near Mussoorie and a trek master plan. The other efforts would entail master plans for development of new hill stations at Pauri, Khirsu, Lansdowne, Munsyari and Pithoragarh.

According to the tourism policy, specific eco initiatives have been listed. They would comprise:

• Setting up of botanical gardens-cum heritage centres and theme parks that would be established in order to highlight the bio-diversity of Uttaranchal.
• An integrated eco-tourism project would also be developed and established and steps will be undertaken to promote eco-friendly tourism activities like jungle safaris, nature walks, mountain treks, camping, etc in a manner that promotes awareness and sensitivity towards environment conservation.
• Tree plantation as a tourism-linked activity will be given special consideration. Action will be taken in a planned manner to deal with the problem of non-bio-degradable wastes. Intensive campaigns to regulate plastic waste would also be launched with the assistance of the private sector and non-government organisations.
• Special attention will be given to the aspect of carrying capacity while preparing tourism development plans.

As the state promotes mass tourism, it wants to focus on high quality domestic tourists therefore sustainability through eco-initiatives should be its prime focus in tourism development. Subsequently, the USP of the state is environment and therefore eco or sustainable tourism is the key word for any future development.

Eco-Projects

Valley of Flowers: The ministry of tourism had decided to develop the 'Valley of Flowers' as an eco-tourism model. However, ministry officials claim that the project, which would require huge funding, will get a shot in the arm if international organisations come to aid the project. United Nations Development Bank (UNDB) is however the desired establishment to fund the project. Jagmohan further revealed that, "Currently, ground work has been kicked off. So, we have urged the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), to support the project financially." The ministry has urged the WTO to put a word forward to the UNDB to support the project. The project will at least take two to three years to be developed entirely and would require sufficient capital. To support the growth of tourism, the recently announced Concessional Industrial Package (CIP) by the ministry of commerce and industry, government of India, has identified tourism as a thrust area. The CIP covers eco-tourism, hotels, spas, amusement parks, ropeways etc as the thrust areas and offers concessions like 100 per cent excise exemption for ten years and a 100 per cent income tax exemption for five years thereafter tapering exemption for next five years is also part of the package.

Capital investment subsidy at the rate of 15 per cent up to a maximum of Rs 30 lakh is also one of the incentives offered.

Further N N Prasad, secretary tourism, government of Uttaranchal and CEO, Uttaranchal Tourism Development Board (UTDB), mentioned that, our vision is to make Uttaranchal a global tourist destination. While identifying Uttaranchal identical with tourism, the objective is also to encompass the development of the tourist potential of the state in an eco-friendly manner with enhanced and intensive participation from both the private as well as the public sector. Bearing this in mind, sustainability is a major concern all across the world. This encompasses ecological, socio-cultural and economic aspects. Factors like reducing over consumption, integration of tourism into development planning, involving people from all walks of life need to be taken into account and need to be considered as important methods to achieve 'sustainability in tourism'.

Product Panaroma

In order to promote the multi-faceted features of tourism in Uttaranchal, namely, pilgrimage, adventure, wellness, heritage and eco-tourism, Uttaranchal tourism has adopted a multi-media approach. Encompassing all the aspects, the state wants to present itself to tourist in its natural form.

Natural Beauty: The Queen of the Hills- Mussoorie, the Lake District of India - Nainital, Kausani, Pauri, Lansdowne, Ranikhet, Almora, Pithoragarh, Munsyari and many more attractive tourist destinations are part of Uttaranchal.

Adventure Tourism: Uttaranchal is a paradise for adventure sports. The sheer variety ranging from mountaineering (Bhagirathi, Chowkhamba, Nanda Devi, Kamet, Pindari, Sahastrataal, Milam, Kafni, Khatling, Gaumukh), to trekking, skiing (Auli, Dayara Bugyal, Munsyari, Mundali) and even skating, water sports (in all the lakes and rivers in Uttaranchal). The others would comprise aero sports like handgliding, paragliding (Pithoragarh, Jolly Grant, Pauri).

Wildlife Tourism: Along with the world-famous Corbett National Park, Uttaranchal has several other breath- taking destinations for Wildlife Tourism. These include the Rajaji National Park, Govind Pashu Vihar, Asan Barrage, Chilla, and Saptarishi Ashram, the last four being a delight for bird watchers.

Leisure Tourism: Uttaranchal has innumerable locations that can serve as quiet retreats amidst exquisite natural beauty, for those seeking leisure away from the stress of modern urban life. Special efforts will be made to develop leisure-oriented tourism spots including health resorts, spa centres, yoga and meditation centres etc that also include herbal treatment and naturopathy centers.

Trekking: A master plan for development of trek routes will be prepared and implemented. The facilities on various trek routes will be improved ie for camping, provision for safe drinking water and hygienic food. Arrangements will also be made for pre-paid facilities for trained guides, porters, tents and apparatus on hire at the starting points of these treks. Special efforts will be made to ensure that the environment is not polluted during trekking and necessary guidelines will be prepared. A review will be undertaken concerning the determination of the Inner Line.

Water Sports: Activities like river rafting, canoeing, kayaking etc are fast becoming increasingly popular. At present, these are being conducted with private sector participation, along the Ganges from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh, and on some other rivers and water bodies. River rafting will be further promoted and extended to other areas in Uttaranchal. For this purpose, guides will be trained and employed from among the locals, who will also be assigned the task of protecting both tourists and the environment. Steps will be taken to set standards and regulations for this purpose.

Other water sports will also be developed and extended to various water bodies in Uttaranchal like Dodital, Asan Barrage, Haripur lake, Tehri Dam and Maneribhali, etc. Fishing and angling, including 'Catch and Release' angling will be promoted in a planned and regulated way.

Having comprehended the numerous initiatives planned by the state of Uttaranchal, eco-tourism is the way ahead for tourism promotion.

By Jyoti Koul