PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Tourism department has launched cleanliness drives at major tourist and religious destinations across Dehradun district ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27.
The campaign is scheduled to continue till October 2, the department said. The district tourism development officer (DTDO) Jaspal Chauhan said that the cleanliness campaign began on September 17 and covers tourist destinations, religious sites and temples across the district. Cleaning work is already underway at popular spots including George Everest, Guchhupani and Sahastradhara, besides major temples.
As part of the celebrations, the department has also asked Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) properties, homestays, hotels and other government accommodation facilities to offer special discounts to tourists visiting on World Tourism Day, he said.
Chauhan said that the initiative is aimed at encouraging more people to visit local tourist destinations while also promoting cleanliness at sites that attract large numbers of visitors. He added that a trek from Sensi Ashram to Jharipani will also be organised as part of the World Tourism Day programme. School students and volunteers are expected to participate in the trek, with the Tourism Department also planning discussions with schools to encourage greater student participation.
The department is focusing on involving students and volunteers in tourism-related activities to create greater awareness about the importance of keeping tourist and religious places clean.
He said that the cleanliness campaign and other activities will continue through October 2, covering various destinations and religious sites across the district.
