The Uttarakhand government has announced that it will develop two tourism villages in every district of the state in a big step to stimulate tourism and boost the rural economy. The project will also seek to ensure sustainable tourism, besides offering the locals job opportunities, particularly in the remote hills.
The officials argue that the intended tourism villages will include modern facilities and infrastructure that will attract visitors, but will maintain the natural environment and tradition of the region. The project belongs to the overall strategy of the state to diversify tourism, as it is concentrated on such popular destinations as Mussoorie, Nainital, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.
The chosen villages will emphasize local identities of each of the villages, such as the traditional architecture, folk culture, cuisine, and handicrafts, as well as the natural scenery. The homestays, cultural programs, local food, nature walks, and adventure activities will be used to inspire the tourists to live a village life. The government considers that this will provide a genuine and authentic experience of travelling to the visitors.
The state government will set up modern infrastructure in these villages to facilitate the development of tourism. This involves enhanced road network connectivity, clean drinking water, sanitation, electricity network, internet network, tourist information centre and effective waste disposal systems. The particular focus will be drawn to the eco-friendly development to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas.
It is also projected that the initiative will accrue massive economic gains to the local residents. The locals will be given training in hospitality services, homestay management, tour guiding and promotion of local handicrafts and products. Through direct engagement with the local inhabitants, the government seeks to make sure that the tourism revenue trickles to the grassroots society, and they do not have to rely on migration as a source of livelihood.
The officials claimed that the project would assist in overcoming some of the major problems experienced in Uttarakhand, such as unemployment and migration of youth in the hill districts to the city. The government aims to keep people in a village by developing sustainable sources of income so that people can choose to work there.
The move has been celebrated by tourism experts who have indicated that community-based tourism is capable of alleviating the congestion experienced in tourist destinations and also exploring new places. Provided it is well implemented, the scheme has the potential of making Uttarakhand a pioneer state in rural and sustainable tourism in India.
The government will start locating appropriate villages in the near future, and a gradual development will occur in the next few years. Through this initiative, Uttarakhand will be looking to create a balance between economic growth, cultural value, and conservation of the environment.
