Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his national radio address, 'Mann Ki Baat', to shine a spotlight on Uttarakhand's burgeoning tourism sector, particularly its winter attractions and adventure potential. The Prime Minister's special mention has been hailed by the state's Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, as a significant endorsement for the Himalayan state.
Prime Minister's Detailed Praise for the State
During the broadcast on Sunday, PM Modi dedicated nearly two and a half minutes specifically to Uttarakhand. He expressed his deep affection for the state and urged citizens from across India to explore its Himalayan valleys during the winter season to witness its unique natural beauty firsthand. The Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated that Modi continues to act as the biggest brand ambassador for the state's tourism.
The Prime Minister highlighted that popular winter destinations like Auli, Munsiyari, Dayara, and Chopta are witnessing a notable surge in visitor interest. He credited the state's focused efforts on improving connectivity and tourism infrastructure for this growth. In a significant push for local hospitality, the state government has also introduced a new homestay policy to accommodate more tourists.
Adventure Sports and Destination Weddings in Focus
PM Modi pointed to specific examples of Uttarakhand's adventure tourism rise. He mentioned the recent first high-altitude ultra-run marathon held near Adi Kailash in Pithoragarh at an elevation of 14,500 feet. The event saw participation from over 750 athletes representing 18 states. The Prime Minister contrasted the current tourism boom with the past, noting that annual visits to Adi Kailash have skyrocketed from just 2,000 people three years ago to 30,000 now.
Furthermore, he announced that Uttarakhand is gearing up to host the Uttarakhand Winter Games in the coming weeks, an event expected to generate excitement nationwide. Another key area of promotion is branding Uttarakhand as a premier wedding destination. Modi emphasized that the golden winter sunshine and misty mountains, especially along the banks of the Ganga, are making the state a highly sought-after location for destination weddings, with a significant increase in such celebrations.
A Sustained Push for Tourism Growth
According to the CMO, PM Modi's consistent mentions and visits to sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Adi Kailash, and Jageshwar Dham have given a fresh boost to pilgrimage and tourism traffic. His launch of the winter tourism season last year from Mukhba village in Uttarkashi led to increased activity in the Harsil Valley and created new livelihood opportunities for locals.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed gratitude, stating that the people of Uttarakhand are thankful for the Prime Minister highlighting the state's potential on a global platform. Dhami affirmed that his government is committed to advancing Uttarakhand as a hub for natural, spiritual, and adventure tourism, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision. The state has been actively organizing winter pilgrimages and promoting the wedding destination theme for over a year, initiatives that have now received a powerful endorsement from the nation's leader.
