The Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma held a meeting with Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Harish Rawat in New Delhi today. They discussed various important issues related to the development of tourism in the state of Uttarakhand. The Minister said that the Government of India has always been committed to the development of the Uttarakhand, especially after the destruction caused by floods. He said that the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand will work together to take tourism to the new hights. Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that Rishikesh and Haridwar will be developed under the spiritual tourism scheme of Government of India. Central government is committed to development of Kedarnath and funds have already been sanctioned under PRASAD scheme, in addition to the Rs. 100Cr sanctioned for reconstruction and redevelopment after destruction caused by floods.
The ministry of Tourism has already approved for the development of tourism at and around Tehri, Dr. Sharma added. Shri Harish Rawat explained the ambitious project of ropeways being undertaken by the state government to promote tourism. Dr. Sharma said that the Ministry of Tourism is willing to contribute either from the Large Revenue Generating (LRG) or PRASAD schemes to expedite the ropeway project. The Tourism and Culture Minister assured that all assistance including technical facilities will be given to increase the hour of operation at Dehradun airport. The issue related to the release of outstanding funds under the ongoing projects earlier sanctioned under PIDDC is being discussed with Ministry of Finance and action in this regard will be taken soon, the Minister said. Secretary Tourism, Dr. Lalit Panwar and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Government of Uttarakhand, Shri Rakesh Sharma and other senior officials of M/o Tourism were also present during the meeting.