Dehradun: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan reviewed the Tourism and Culture Department in the Secretariat on Wednesday. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary took detailed information of various schemes being run by the Tourism and Culture Department in the state, and took information about the progress of ongoing works and upcoming plans. The Chief Secretary said that tourism is the backbone of the state. He directed that other tourist places should also be developed along with Chardham Yatra and religious tourism.
The Chief Secretary said that while starting preparations for the winter Chardham Yatra from now, dialogue should also be done with the stakeholders. He said that a sustainable and inclusive plan should be prepared for the Tehri Lake Ring Road Project, so that tourism is promoted and employment is also generated.
The Chief Secretary said that there is also a need to focus on quality tourism in the state. For this, plans should be prepared to promote adventure tourism, trekking and other activities. A calendar should be prepared to complete all the schemes on time. He directed to complete the works of the first phase of Manaskhand Mandir Mala soon.
The Chief Secretary directed to build a state level museum during the review of the Culture Department. He said that special efforts need to be made for the preservation and promotion of folk arts and folk culture of the state. He directed to upgrade the archives of the state and digitize them. He also directed to prepare the annual calendar of the Himalayan Cultural Center located in Dehradun.
The Chief Secretary said that to keep alive the real form of folk songs, folk dances, folk dramas prevalent in different areas of the state, theatre camps should be organized as well as Rangmandals should be established. He also directed to form national and international cultural teams.
Secretary Sachin Kurve, Jugal Kishore Pant, Additional Secretary Abhishek Rohila and Director Culture Mrs. Bina Bhatt along with other senior officers were present on this occasion.
