Tehri Mahotsav begins

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the three-day “Tehri Festival – 2018” at Koti Colony, Tehri, by lighting a traditional lamp on Friday. Chief Minister said that next year, arrangements would be made for landing Sea Plane at Tehri Lake, for which survey has already been done. On this occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones as well as inaugurated various schemes, worth Rs 31.95 crores. Foundation stone for construction works worth Rs 1.57 crore of residential buildings in Jakhnidhar Block of Assembly Segment Tehri Garhwal was  laid. Construction work of Rs 1,08,55000 of Non-Residential building (Office Building) in Jakhnidhar Block was inaugurated. Apart from this, the other construction works that were inaugurated were under centrally sponsored scheme ‘Swadesh Darshan’; in Koti – tourist pathway, parking, view point, floating hut and service setup; in Chamba – multi-level car and bus parking and Sirai  – Eco Lodge, multi-purpose hall and utility building.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also released the book ‘Old and Present Tehri’ of Old Durbar Trust, edited by Bhavani Pratap Singh. Chief Minister honoured freedom fighter Gian Singh by presenting him the pension cheque. In his address, the Chief Minister said that decision taken to hold the Cabinet Meeting at Tehri Lake on May 16 was significant and this decision would help Tehri getting special recognition in the field of tourism at the world level in future. He said that in order to give further boost to tourism in Uttarakhand, the government has envisaged ‘13 Districts 13 New Destinations’, in which Tehri Lake in Tehri district has also been included.

Chief Minister said that there is lot of potential at Tehri Lake with respect to tourism. Through such events, Tehri Lake will emerge as major tourist destination at international level. There are immense possibilities here in the field of wellness, Yoga, adventure, films. He said that in coming time, the Tehri Lake will also strengthen the youth of the state economically and spiritually. The scenic beauty of Uttarakhand attracts the tourist to visit the state. He said that youth of the state will have to  understand  about this scenic beauty, which the nature has given to Uttarakhand. Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj said that by giving industry status to tourism, tourism will become a source of livelihood in the state. He said that by organizing Tehri Festival, Tehri Lake will become a major centre of attraction among the tourists of country and abroad. The floating huts are the special identity of the place. Water sports, paragliding, trekking and other activities will establish new dimension in the field of tourism in Tehri. He said that it is necessary to promote local products at tourist destinations. Agriculture Minister Subodh Uniyal, MP Tehri Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, MLA Dhan Singh Negi, Vijay Singh Panwar, District Panchayat President Tehri Sona Sajwan, Joint Secretary, Culture Ministry, Union Government Pranav Khullar, Secretary Tourism Dilip Jawalkar, MD GMVN Jyoti Khairwal, DM Tehri Sonika etc were present on the occasion.