In a visionary call to revive Uttarakhand’s rural landscape, Governor Lieutenant General Mr. Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) emphasized the need to transform the state’s “ghost villages” into vibrant “host villages” through homestay-based tourism. He said these villages hold immense potential for eco-tourism and local employment generation, and the state government is working on a policy framework to promote this initiative.
Speaking at the 14th Brainstorming Session of the Indian Agricultural Universities Association (IAUA), held at the Forestry College, Ranichauri under the Uttarakhand Horticulture and Forestry University, Bharsar, the Governor highlighted that developing abandoned villages as homestays would strengthen the local economy and promote reverse migration in the Himalayan state.
From Ghost Villages to Host Villages: A New Vision for Rural Uttarakhand
Mr. Gurmeet Singh noted that several Uttarakhand villages are turning into “ghost villages” due to migration. He stressed that transforming these into “host villages” can revive the mountain economy, blending heritage, culture, and eco-tourism. “These villages should be equipped with better roads, water, electricity, and internet connectivity to welcome visitors and promote sustainable tourism,” he said.
The Governor also mentioned that he had requested Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to replace the letter “G” in “Ghost Villages” with “H” to symbolize prosperity through “Host Villages”. He urged the youth of Uttarakhand to actively participate in this transformative initiative, linking agriculture, ecology, and tourism.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami: Agro-Ecotourism Can Double Uttarakhand’s Economy
Addressing the event virtually, Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami said that tourism is the backbone of Uttarakhand’s economy, and the confluence of agriculture and tourism can help double the state’s income. He added that promoting agro-ecotourism will create new opportunities for local youth, farmers, and entrepreneurs, while also helping to curb migration from the hill regions.
Agricultural Experts and Scientists Discuss Future of Agro-Ecotourism
The event brought together vice-chancellors, agricultural scientists, and experts from over ten states, who shared insights on the theme “Agro-Ecotourism in India: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Parvinder Kaushal expressed gratitude for hosting the conference, calling it a platform for advancing discussions on sustainable mountain development. Tehri MLA Mr. Kishore Upadhyay and Pratapnagar MLA Mr. Vikram Negi also addressed the session.
Prominent attendees included Padma Shri Mr. Premchand Sharma, Prof. Vijendra Singh, IAUA Secretary Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Prof. S.P. Singh, CDO Ms. Varuna Agarwal, Dr. Arvind Bijalwan, Dr. S.P. Sati, and Ms. Kirti Kumari.
Honoring Progressive Farmers and Academic Achievements
In recognition of outstanding agricultural innovation, Progressive Farmer Awards were presented to several achievers, including Ms. Namrita Kandwal (Yamkeshwar, Pauri), Mr. Madhavendra Rawat (Bhatwadi, Uttarkashi), Mr. Chandrashekhar Pandey (Garud, Bageshwar), and Mr. Ramakrishna Dabral (Tehri). Three new university publications were also released on this occasion, highlighting advancements in agricultural research and rural entrepreneurship.
Governor Lays Foundation Stone for Six Major University Projects
During the program, Governor Mr. Gurmeet Singh laid the foundation stone for six new construction works of the university, including:
- Boys Hostel, Mountain Agriculture College, Chirbitiya
- Administrative and Educational Mali Training Centre, Pratapnagar
- Third Floor Girls Hostel, Ranichauri
- Girls Hostel, Mountain Agriculture College, Chirbitiya
- Office Building, Gairsain
- Central Library, Horticulture College, Bharsar
These projects aim to strengthen academic and research infrastructure in the field of mountain agriculture and forestry, boosting education and innovation in Uttarakhand’s hill regions.
A Roadmap for Sustainable and Inclusive Development
The initiative reflects Uttarakhand’s shift toward sustainable, tourism-led rural development, combining ecological preservation with economic opportunity. The state’s efforts to revitalize ghost villages into homestay hubs represent a model of balanced growth, aligning with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
