Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat participated in the Manila festival in Almora during which he laid the foundation for various schemes amounting to Rs 27 crore and inaugurated schemes amounting to Rs 2.73 crore.

He also made various announcements for the development of the area including development of tourism circuit in Marchula-Manila-Chittaudakhal and Bhikiyasain, construction of lift irrigation scheme at Barkinda, construction of potable water scheme from Gadkot to Saraikhet, construction of mini-stadium at Saraikhet and development of 500 nali land of the government inter college at Manila into a fruit strip.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the chief minister said that the state government is committed to facilitating road, electricity and drinking water in remote areas of the state.

He exhorted the people to make the natural wealth their source of livelihood. The CM said that allotment letters have been give to 21 entrepreneurs for generating electricity from pirul (dry pine needles).

These projects will start within two months. Stating that the tourist season is currently underway, he informed that till now the number of visitors was more than three times the number last year.

The State Government has accorded industry status to tourism so as to maximise the number of tourists arriving in Uttarakhand. He also asked the people to focus on their traditional agriculture too.The Bageshwar MLA Chandan Ram Das also expressed his views on the occasion. He thanked the local public and the organising committee for organising the Manila festival. Along with the local residents, a number of public representatives and government officials were also among those present on the occasion.