OP AGNIHOTRI/ Haldwani
To promote eco-tourism and wildlife safari activities in Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary spread in Champawat district, locals are being offered the opportunity to purchase and operate safari vehicles such as Gypsy. Applications are invited from interested and eligible candidates.
Sharing details, the divisional forest officer, Haldwani division, Kundan Kumar informed that ecotourism activities are currently being conducted from the Kakrali Gate of Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary. “Gypsies and other suitable vehicles are needed to ensure smooth and effective operation of the jungle safari for which necessary action has been initiated. We are sending a letter to the district magistrate in this matter,” he said.
He further said that under the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Tourism Self-Employment Scheme, the Tourism department is taking an initiative to connect local youth with self-employment. “Along with Tourism, new employment opportunities can also be created in the area.
Under the scheme, there is a provision for subsidy on the purchase of vehicles such as taxis, gypsies, caravans and the like. In mountainous areas, 33 per cent of the capital cost or a maximum of Rs 33 lakh will be provided for non-vehicle items and in plain areas, 25 per cent of the capital cost or a maximum of Rs 25 lakh will be provided for purchasing vehicles. Additionally, a subsidy of 50 per cent or a maximum of Rs 20 lakh (whichever is less) will also be provided for the purchase of electric/luxury buses,” he added.
The Champawat district tourism officer Lata Bisht stated that applicants must be native or permanent residents of Uttarakhand to apply for the scheme. A commercial driving license valid for at least five years will be required to operate a bus or taxi.
Interested candidates can apply online through the portal www.msy.uk.gov.in. After applying online, it will be mandatory to submit all necessary documents to the office of the district tourism development officer, including two copies of the application form, original/permanent residence certificate, age certificate, income certificate, caste or ex-servicemen certificate (if applicable), commercial driving license and vehicle quotation.
