Wednesday, 03 August 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
Documentary & book on old Char Dham routes released
The Char Dham Yatra this year was no less than a challenge for the State. More than 30 lakh pilgrims have visited the Char Dham so far with the Yatra starting after a gap of two years. This is a good omen for our tourism industry, said chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami while adding that the government’s efforts are continuing to develop infrastructural facilities on the Yatra route. He said this after releasing a documentary and book ‘Walking to The God’ based on the old bridle paths to the Char Dham shrines here on Tuesday. Dhami also felicitated persons for special contribution in the cleanliness fortnight organised by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) on the occasion.
The CM said that UTDB had taken a historic step along with Trek The Himalaya. As part of this effort, a 25-member team of experts covered 1,170 kilometres to ascertain the old treks to the Char Dham shrines. This group undertook the task for 51 days. Based on this expedition, a documentary was made and the book ‘Walking to The God’ was published. He said that the documentary and book are important efforts to preserve the centuries old heritage. This will further encourage Char Dham Yatra and lend a special identity to the State. The CM further said that as part of the vision for creation of Uttarakhand State, tourism was considered to be the main basis of the State’s economy.
Dhami said that improving facilities in the Char Dham and tourist spots will ensure that people visit these locations repeatedly. Those connected to tourism should also contribute their bit for the improvement of tourism in the State, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj stressed on the importance of cleanliness for a healthy life. The attitude for cleanliness should be maintained for home, ward, city and State. Referring to the UTDB initiative, he said that the aim of the expedition was to make the pilgrims know about the experience of the old days and history of the stops on the route. If people also use the bridle paths to the Char Dham shrines, it will result in generation of self employment. Revival of the old Yatra routes will encourage opening of homestays in nearby villages, stalls of Pahadi food and other self employment opportunities for the local youth, added Maharaj.
Tourism secretary Sachin Kurve informed the gathering about the UTDB expedition, documentary and the book. He said that on the directions of the chief minister and tourism minister, work is consistently being undertaken to develop a unique identity of Uttarakhand on the international tourist map.
