The State’s Tourism and Culture minister Satpal Maharaj attended the national conference of state tourism ministers and secretaries presided over by the Union Tourism minister Prahlad Patel in the national Capital on Tuesday. During the conference, the Union Tourism minister, under the Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar Apni Pehchan scheme presented letter of intent for adoption of Chaurasi Kutia in Rishikesh and Narayan Koti temple group in Rudraprayag. During discussion related to the Archaeological Survey of India, Maharaj informed Patel there are various clusters of temples in Uttarakhand. The owners of various homes have stated that due to their areas coming under the purview of the ASI, they are unable to reconstruct their homes. Due to this, they have to suffer major damage during the rainy season due to the lack of the necessary repairs. He further informed that under the Uttarakhand home-stay registration scheme, the state government has set a target of registering 2,000 home-stay units during the financial year 2019-20 and that so far 1,484 home-stays have been registered. Further, under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay home-stay development scheme, loans to 30 entrepreneurs have been approved for construction/repairs of home-stay buildings. Maharaj also presented information regarding spread of information on tourism related services through a web-based application, developing a one-stop solution and redressal of complaints through a helpline number for the Char Dham Yatra. He also proposed inclusion of disaster management in the future. He further informed that the State government had brought out river rafting and kayaking rules and footlaunch aerosports (paragliding) rules. He also informed the union minister about the status of the state’s tourism department proposed Recreational Boating and Adventure Water Sports Rules, Mountaineering and Trekking Rules and Powered Paragliding and Para Trek Rules. A description of the works being undertaken under the Prasad and Swadesh Darshan schemes was also presented to the government of India.

The minister also requested that considering the heavy rain and snowfall in the state, the duration of the Prasad and Swadesh Darshan schemes should be extended so that works under the scheme can be completed. In addition to this, Maharaj also stressed on the need for granting approval to formation of the Mahabharat circuit in the state. The national conference organised by the Ministry of Tourism was attended by tourism ministers and secretaries of 20 States.