Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan (IAS: 1992: UK), has directed the preparation of a comprehensive master plan for the Tehri Lake area, with a focus on developing it as a global tourism destination.
During a meeting with the Tourism Department at the Secretariat on Thursday, Bardhan directed officials to prepare a long-term and coordinated plan covering around 8,000 hectares around the lake. Both government and privately owned land are to be considered as part of the planning exercise.
Master and Zonal Plans for Tehri Lake
The Chief Secretary directed officials to prepare a master plan along with zonal plans for different parts of the lake area.
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The plans are to consider the region’s geographical conditions, local requirements, environmental sensitivity and tourism potential. Bardhan also directed officials to consult relevant stakeholders while preparing the plans.
The possibility of obtaining technical assistance from the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, and SPA Bhopal is also to be examined.
Phased Tourism Development Proposed
Bardhan directed officials to prepare a phase-wise tourism development plan for the Tehri Lake area. The plan is expected to identify major attraction or “magnet” areas where different tourism activities can be developed.
The proposed tourism activities include water sports, adventure tourism, trekking, nature-based activities, cultural tourism and village tourism.
Officials were also asked to prepare a detailed plan for activities that could encourage visitors to stay in the area for one or two days or longer.
Year-Round Tourism Activities
The Chief Secretary also called for a separate strategy for the period when the lake’s water level falls during April, May and June.
A calendar of tourism activities based on seasonal conditions and lake water levels has been proposed so that activities can be planned throughout the year.
Officials were directed to identify and develop new trekking routes and trails around the lake.
Villages to Be Linked With Tourism
Bardhan also directed officials to explore ways of connecting villages surrounding Tehri Lake with tourism.
The proposed village and cultural visits could give tourists an opportunity to experience local traditions, cuisine and rural life. The plan also envisages participation of local communities in tourism-related activities.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to prepare a detailed presentation covering the overall development plan and proposed activities for Tehri Lake, which could subsequently be presented before the Prime Minister.
He also directed that THDC officials be invited to the next meeting to facilitate coordinated discussions on issues related to the development of the lake area.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Dheeraj Singh Garbyal, APCCF Dr Vivek Pandey, Surendra Mehra, CCF Prasanna Kumar Patro, Additional Secretary Vineet Kumar, Himanshu Khurana, Abhishek Rohila and Tehri District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal.
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