Friday, 15 NOVEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Tourism and Culture minister Satpal Maharaj campaigned in the Madmaheshwar Valley in Kedarnath Vidhan Sabha constituency on Thursday and urged voters to support BJP candidate Asha Nautiyal in the Kedarnath Assembly bypoll. He said during the campaign that the homestay scheme will be expanded to more villages in Kedarnath constituenct after the bypoll. Conducting outreach in villages including Rasi, Uniyana, Raulak and Mansuna, Maharaj emphasised the government’s focus on promoting self-employment for youth through initiatives like the homestay scheme, particularly suited for regions with significant tourism potential. He talked about Madmaheshwar valley’s unique heritage, renowned for its sacred sites like the second Kedarnath, Lord Madmaheshwar, Mananamai and Rakeshwari. He described the valley’s tourism potential as immense, stating that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to multi-dimensional development in Kedarnath and the wider region. He said that with each Char Dham Yatra season, tourism is increasing and efforts are underway to incorporate local community feedback to ensure efficient travel experiences. He also stated that the ongoing Rishikesh-Karnprayag railway project is expected to be completed by 2027 which will ease travel from Kanyakumari to Karnaprayag and further boost pilgrimage visits. The State aims to promote Madmaheshwar Valley and other religious sites on the tourism map to support this vision. He added that many youths have found employment through the homestay scheme which will be expanded to more villages post-election to encourage the promotion of local products.
