Uttarakhand Expands Adventure Tourism Footprint to Pauri District
Following the successful establishment of adventure hubs in Tehri and Rishikesh, the Uttarakhand government is now strategically expanding its adventure tourism initiatives to Pauri district. The Nayar Valley Festival, officially inaugurated on Thursday at Bilkhet in Pauri, represents a significant milestone in this ambitious expansion plan.
Major Announcements from Chief Minister Dhami
During the festival inauguration, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made several important announcements aimed at transforming the region's tourism landscape. The most notable announcement was the establishment of a dedicated paragliding training centre in Nayar Valley, which will serve as a hub for adventure enthusiasts and professional training.
Dhami emphasized that the festival represents a concerted effort to create a distinct identity for the region, highlighting its vast potential in tourism, cultural experiences, and adventure sports. "The Nayar Valley region is endowed with immense natural beauty and adventure tourism potential," the Chief Minister stated, adding that such initiatives would generate valuable self-employment opportunities for local youth while significantly bolstering the regional economy.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Plans
Beyond adventure tourism, the government has outlined comprehensive infrastructure development plans to enhance religious tourism across Pauri district. The announced projects include:
- Infrastructure development at Rasalwan Deeva Temple in the Pokhra development block
- Enhancements at Kalinka Temple in the Bironkhal development block
- Improvements to Ekeshwar Mahadev Temple in the Ekeshwar development block
- Development at Champeshwar Mahadev Temple in the Pabau development block
Adventure Activities at Nayar Valley Festival
The festival promises to be a comprehensive adventure destination featuring numerous exciting activities, including:
- Paragliding and paramotoring experiences
- Hot air ballooning adventures
- Mountain biking trails
- Kayaking and angling opportunities
- Ziplining and Burma bridge crossings
- Reverse bungee jumping facilities
Additional Development Projects in Pauri District
Chief Minister Dhami also highlighted several other significant development projects underway in the region:
National Institute of Technology in Srinagar: Construction is currently progressing at a substantial investment of Rs 650 crore, promising to enhance educational infrastructure in the area.
Khoh River Rejuvenation Project: A modern sewerage treatment plant worth Rs 135 crore is being established to clean and rejuvenate the Khoh river, addressing environmental concerns while improving water quality.
State's First NCC Academy: Work is actively progressing on Uttarakhand's inaugural NCC academy in Gadiya village of Pauri, representing a significant investment in youth development and national service training.
Additional Infrastructure Projects: The government is also implementing a Rs 11 crore solid waste processing plant in Kotdwar and constructing a new bridge over the Malan river, further enhancing the region's infrastructure and connectivity.
The Nayar Valley Festival represents a strategic pivot in Uttarakhand's tourism development approach, moving beyond established destinations to unlock the potential of previously untapped regions. By combining adventure sports with religious tourism infrastructure and broader development initiatives, the state government aims to create a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits both visitors and local communities.
