Dehradun. The Uttarakhand government has embarked on a large‑scale effort to fuse modern geospatial technology with the state’s thriving trekking and adventure‑tourism sector. On Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially dispatched an expedition team from his Camp Office to undertake GPS‑GIS mapping and technical surveys of one hundred key trekking and hiking corridors across the hills.
Formed under the aegis of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, the field teams will walk the selected trails, capture precise digital coordinates, and flag potential sites for essential amenities such as campsites, waste‑collection bins, portable toilets, and emergency shelters.
"Uttarakhand possesses unparalleled trekking potential," remarked CM Dhami. "Scientific mapping will make our routes safer, more organized, and far easier to navigate, while safeguarding the fragile Himalayan ecosystem."
Offline‑Ready Route Data for Every Trekker
Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal disclosed that an integrated online‑offline GPS navigation application will be built using the survey data. Even in zones devoid of mobile‑network coverage, trekkers will be able to download route maps, waypoint details, and safety tips directly to their smartphones. The same platform will also serve rescue teams during emergencies.
Economic Upswing for Mountain Communities
The mapping drive is projected to stimulate tourism in remote mountain villages and generate jobs for local youth in guiding, homestays, and ancillary services. The Chief Minister has instructed senior officials to ensure active participation of indigenous communities throughout the project.
- Preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) post‑survey
- Publication of a coffee‑table book showcasing lesser‑known trails
- Promotion of these routes on national and international platforms
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Additional Secretary (Tourism) and Additional CEO of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board Abhishek Ruhela, Additional Director (Tourism) Poonam Chand, along with other officials, attended the launch ceremony.
