Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna today said that Char Dham was the back bone of tourism in Uttarakhand.

Rishikesh/Dehradun, April 24:

Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna today said that Char Dham was the back bone of tourism in Uttarakhand. He said that it was the Char Dham due to which the state was known worldwide.

Chief Minister said this after flagging off Char Dham Yatra at Rishikesh. He said that tourism would be made the main source of revenue generation in the state for which both State Government and the Centre were jointly drafting Master Plan. He said government's endeavour would be to provide maximum job opportunities to the youths through tourism. Stating that there were other tourist spots beside Char Dham, he said a solid work plan was being chalked out to develop these spots. "River Rafting will be encouraged so that more employment opportunities generate from it," he said.

He called on the local public, government employees and traders to behave in such a manner that the tourists take fond memories from Uttarakhand. He said that conditions of roads were being improved giving priorities to the Yatra routes. " The basic facilities are also being developed in remote, difficult hill and border areas," he revealed.

Chief Minister Bahuguna said that the water flow of River Ganga would be brought back in Triveni Ghat again and very soon the construction works of 'Astha Path' would be completed. He said that lavatories with modern facilities would be constructed. Mr. Bahuguna said besides completing works on sewerage at Shishamjhari, Mayakund and Chandrabhaga, an additional Rs. 3.50 crore would be granted for sewerage treatment work underway at Rishikesh. "The State Government is preparing action plan to provide relief to the local residents from elephant menace," he said.

Transport Minister Surendra Rakesh said that better transportation facilities were being arranged for the pilgrims of Char Dham Yatra. He said the state government would provide all possible support to transporters. Meanwhile, he asked the officers of Transport Department to provide best facilities to the pilgrims so that they return with good message from the state.

Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani said that the state would head towards prosperity under the leadership of Chief Minister Bahuguna. Also present on the occasion were MLAs Subodh Uniyal, Vikram Singh Negi, Dinesh Dhaney, Prem Chand Agarwal, former minister Shurveer Singh Sajwan and Rishikesh Nagar Palika Chairman Deep Sharma.

Later, Chief Minister Bahuguna reached Shaheed Sthal located at Haridwar Road and paid his tribute to martyrs. He said that the state would be developed as per the dreams of statehood agitationists. "The State Government is committed to resolve problems pertaining to them". He also announced to pay the due amount of electricity bill of Shaheed Smarak from Chief Minister Discretionary Fund.

The Chief Minister also visited Sanatan Dharm Mandir and paid his obeisance.