Young and dynamic Dinesh Dhane is the new Uttarakhand tourism minister who took charge in the month of May this year. An independent MLA from Tehri, he was former chairman of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). He firmly believes that tourism and employment are two sides of the same coin. In an exclusive interview with Millennium Post, he shares his vision and mission to bring Uttarakhand on a global tourist map. Here are some excerpts:
What are your preparations for winter pilgrimage?
Recently, I visited Kedarnath and saw the constructive changes. Still, there are many spaces for improvement, but one can’t expect sea of change overnight. We are trying our best to make winter pilgrimage successful so that all business can be revived. We are planning to attract tourists of all pocket-sizes who can retreat, rejuvenate and relax here in the lap of nature.
What are other opportunities for tourism in the state?
There are tremendous opportunities which need to be tapped. Apart from pilgrimage tourism, one can find village tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism and nature tourism. Besides, the state tourism is adding new dimensions to the already existing capabilities of this hill state.
Youngsters are leaving for other cities in search of jobs as tourism here is a seasonal affair. How are you taking the fact?
Tourism and employment are two sides of the same coin. More inflow of tourists will provide more employment opportunities. From seasonal tourism, we are moving towards annual tourism, thus scripting a new story for tourism industry. Round the year tourism will definitely check the migration of youths who desert their villages in search of regular source of income. As you are aware of the fact that tourism considered to be the backbone of our state economy.
Why Uttarakhand is far behind Himachal in terms of tourism sector, state economy and power projects?
Uttarakhand came into existence nearly 14 years ago, while Himachal was formed 45 years ago. So, it’s not logical to compare these two states in terms of tourism potential, state economy and other sectors. Still, Uttarakhand is the first choice for those who want to explore vast greenery, snow-capped mighty mountains, virgin forests with rich flora and fauna, and holy rivers carrying crystal clear water.
What are your plans for Mussorrie carnival?
A separate committee has been set up for the Mussorrie winter carnival. The local district administration is looking for all the preparations. However, state tourism ministry is ready to help them financially or other way, if they need it.
After natural calamity last year, how are tourists reacting? Does fear factor still exist?
By conducting successful Char Dham yatra and Nanda Devi Rajjat yatra, we have sent the message of a safe and secure Uttarakhand.Has fear factor been there, the tourists have never crossed three lakh figures in Char Dham yatra alone? We are hoping that next year onwards, one will see tremendous increase in the inflow of tourists. But security and safety concerns of the tourists will be our utmost priority, then other aspects.
What are your preparations for winter pilgrimage?
Recently, I visited Kedarnath and saw the constructive changes. Still, there are many spaces for improvement, but one can’t expect sea of change overnight. We are trying our best to make winter pilgrimage successful so that all business can be revived. We are planning to attract tourists of all pocket-sizes who can retreat, rejuvenate and relax here in the lap of nature.
What are other opportunities for tourism in the state?
There are tremendous opportunities which need to be tapped. Apart from pilgrimage tourism, one can find village tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism and nature tourism. Besides, the state tourism is adding new dimensions to the already existing capabilities of this hill state.
Youngsters are leaving for other cities in search of jobs as tourism here is a seasonal affair. How are you taking the fact?
Tourism and employment are two sides of the same coin. More inflow of tourists will provide more employment opportunities. From seasonal tourism, we are moving towards annual tourism, thus scripting a new story for tourism industry. Round the year tourism will definitely check the migration of youths who desert their villages in search of regular source of income. As you are aware of the fact that tourism considered to be the backbone of our state economy.
Why Uttarakhand is far behind Himachal in terms of tourism sector, state economy and power projects?
Uttarakhand came into existence nearly 14 years ago, while Himachal was formed 45 years ago. So, it’s not logical to compare these two states in terms of tourism potential, state economy and other sectors. Still, Uttarakhand is the first choice for those who want to explore vast greenery, snow-capped mighty mountains, virgin forests with rich flora and fauna, and holy rivers carrying crystal clear water.
What are your plans for Mussorrie carnival?
A separate committee has been set up for the Mussorrie winter carnival. The local district administration is looking for all the preparations. However, state tourism ministry is ready to help them financially or other way, if they need it.
After natural calamity last year, how are tourists reacting? Does fear factor still exist?
By conducting successful Char Dham yatra and Nanda Devi Rajjat yatra, we have sent the message of a safe and secure Uttarakhand.Has fear factor been there, the tourists have never crossed three lakh figures in Char Dham yatra alone? We are hoping that next year onwards, one will see tremendous increase in the inflow of tourists. But security and safety concerns of the tourists will be our utmost priority, then other aspects.