Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the ‘Gawani Mahotsav 2018’ at Gawani village in Pokhra block of Pauri Garhwal district on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, CM Trivendra Singh Rawat said that such festivals give us an opportunity to keep in touch with our traditions and culture and in reality there is a need for such kind of efforts. He inspected the various stalls put up by various departments and self-help groups at the ‘Mahotsav’ premises and called for making better quality of local products. He also evaluated the products made from hemp by self help groups of Yamkeshwar block.
Chief Minister Rawat said that Chir (pine) trees could be useful in many ways and many things could be prepared from them. He said that pine trees besides giving employment could help in enhancing the income of the state. Praising the people of village Gawani, he said that there are very few people who work for others and the people of the village have set an example in helping others. He called upon the people to return to their fields and forests. He said that many people have utilized forest products into employment generation. He further said that there is growing demand of Timla and Aawnla pickle. Many people have made it a means to generate income and employment. He also stressed upon rose cultivation and said that rose oil is being sold at a rate of Rs. 10 to Rs. 12 lakh per kilogram.
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj speaking on the occasion said that there are ample opportunities for tourism in the district and asked the people to look for self employment. He said that through Deen Dyal Upadhaya housing Scheme people in the villages could join home stay scheme with the help of banks. He hoped that this would boost income with more people visiting the area which in turn would lead to more employment avenues.