IAS Sachin Kurve Unveils Uttarakhand's Sustainable Tourism Roadmap

Shri Sachin Kurve, the Secretary of Tourism and CEO of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, discusses Uttarakhand's focus on sustainable tourism, adventure initiatives, and community involvement to preserve nature and culture

Lodged in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand stands as a testament to nature's splendour, boasting majestic peaks, lush forests, and sacred rivers that meander through its breathtaking landscapes. Known as the "Land of the Gods," this northern Indian state is revered for its spiritual significance, encompassing revered pilgrimage sites like the holy towns of Haridwar, Rishikesh and the revered Char Dham circuit.

Amidst this picturesque panorama, Shri Sachin Kurve holds a pivotal role as the Secretary of Tourism and CEO of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. With a passion for harnessing the state's tourism potential, Kurve's leadership embodies a commitment to showcase Uttarakhand's diverse cultural heritage, adventure opportunities, and ecotourism initiatives. His dedication to fostering sustainable tourism practices aligns seamlessly with Uttarakhand's essence, promising a harmonious blend of nature, spirituality, and enriching experiences for travellers from around the globe.

Exclusive excerpts from the interview here.

Shri Sachin Kurve, the Secretary of Tourism and CEO of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board On special arrangement

As a leader in the tourism sector, what is your long-term vision for tourism in Uttarakhand, and what steps are being taken to realise it?

In recent years, the government has prioritised the promotion of lesser known hidden gems in the state due to the ecologically delicate nature of its terrain, recognising its significance for the state's future. To achieve this objective, our department has undertaken various initiatives. These efforts primarily focus on alleviating congestion in heavily frequented areas, endorsing environmentally conscious tourism, fostering adventure tourism in remote locales, and introducing new tourism offerings within the state. Concurrently, the government remains committed to enhancing fundamental infrastructure, particularly in terms of connectivity and communication networks, catering to the needs of pilgrims and tourists exploring the state.

Uttarakhand Tourism is actively pursuing a mission to foster adventure tourism activities such as water sports, aero sports, and trekking across the state. We are confident that this approach will distribute the advantages of tourism more evenly while minimising adverse environmental effects.

In pursuit of this goal, the department has engaged Sh. Tanaji Takave as a paragliding mentor. Under his guidance, various paragliding courses have commenced in the state, aimed at training our youth as proficient paragliding pilots.

Furthermore, recent measures include exempting fees for water sports like kayaking and rafting on rivers other than the Ganga, intended to encourage water sports in lesser-explored areas and alleviate congestion in popular spots. Notably, on World Tourism Day 2023, a successful three-day program featuring an Angling Meet and the National Rafting Championship took place at Tanakpur on the Sharda River in district Champawat.

Additionally, plans are underway to commence work on the Dehradun – Mussoorie Ropeway and Yamunotri Ropeway soon, aiming to enhance facilities for tourists and pilgrims visiting these destinations and introduce innovative tourism experiences.

According to you, what are the most captivating natural attractions for tourists in the state?

The state boasts an expanse of unspoiled beauty set against the grandeur of the Himalayas, which serves as our unique selling proposition. However, it is imperative to ensure that the surge in tourist activity does not compromise the ecological integrity of these areas.

I foresee several areas within the districts of Tehri, Uttarkashi, Champawat, and Pithoragarh as potential favoured destinations for tourists in the coming years. These districts possess abundant natural splendour, catering to the interests of spiritual seekers, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers.

Baleshwar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Shiva, situated in Champawat, Uttarakhand Shutterstock

Beyond its natural allure, its temples enrich the state with spiritual significance. These temples, steeped in the narratives of the "Mahabharata" and local folklore, transcend mere symbols of faith. They stand as custodians of the indigenous culture, forging a collective bond among the local populace.

While pilgrimage routes like the Chardham Yatra and renowned destinations such as Haridwar and Rishikesh enjoy significant popularity, the government actively promotes and enhances infrastructure for numerous other temples. For instance, the Kartik Swami Temple in district Rudraprayag is the sole Murugan temple in the region. The Jagganath Temple in Uttarkashi is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya. The state has also devised the Manaskhand Mandir Mala project to develop and promote temples in the Kumaon region.

Can you share some initiatives and developments to promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices in Uttarakhand?

Numerous measures have been implemented to champion sustainable and responsible tourism practices in Uttarakhand. Any new hotel projects are mandated to comply with international sustainability standards. The upcoming tourism ventures prioritise minimising ecological interference while actively endorsing adventure tourism, stargazing activities, and fostering community-based homestays.

Simultaneously, we encourage travellers visiting Uttarakhand to join us in advocating for sustainable and responsible tourism practices, thereby contributing to preserving our natural resources and cultural heritage.

Uttarakhand is known for its rich biodiversity and numerous national parks. How is the state promoting ecotourism and wildlife conservation?

Uttarakhand boasts an impressive 70 per cent forest cover and is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, hosting six national parks, seven wildlife sanctuaries, one biosphere reserve, and four conservation reserves. To leverage this natural wealth, the Tourism Department's Ecotourism Policy emphasises empowering local youth by nurturing their skills to become "Ecopreneurs" within the state.

Nature enthusiasts from around the globe are drawn to Uttarakhand, seeking immersive experiences in nature, including exploring nature trails and gaining insights into the local flora and fauna. To facilitate this, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has provided specialised training to village youth in birdwatching, bird sound recognition, and knowledge about indigenous flora and fauna. This initiative has effectively generated employment opportunities for local youth as "Nature Guides."

Recognising the significance of community-based accommodations, the tourism department actively assists various villages in developing activities such as farm stays and village-based experiences. This support enhances the overall tourist experience while simultaneously benefitting the villages economically.

Wildlife management falls within the purview of the state Forest Department, which spearheads several initiatives aimed at conserving the diverse wildlife within Uttarakhand and mitigating instances of human-wildlife conflict. The Forest Department's Ecotourism wing actively promotes wildlife tourism throughout the state, aligning efforts with conservation objectives.

How has technology been integrated into the tourism sector in Uttarakhand to improve visitor experiences and accessibility?

Technology serves as a significant facilitator in the tourism sector. While the tourism department maintains its website and social media platforms to share information about tourist attractions, events, and programs, the rise of social media influencers has created an ecosystem where tourists increasingly rely on their recommendations when making travel decisions.

In line with technological advancements, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has implemented a compulsory registration system for pilgrims embarking on the Chardham Yatra. This registration process is accessible through various online platforms such as apps, websites, and WhatsApp. Recognising the diverse technological access among pilgrims, the department also offers registration assistance through a call center for those without internet access or smartphones. This registration system has proven beneficial, enabling the department to disseminate real-time weather updates, information about roadblocks, and other essential details to pilgrims via SMS and WhatsApp. This initiative empowers pilgrims to make informed decisions during their journey.

Furthermore, the department remains committed to evolving within the technological landscape to ensure tourists receive the most pertinent and up-to-date information. Plans are underway to launch a new, more interactive website designed to provide real-time information to tourists, further enhancing their experience and access to relevant details.

Could you highlight transportation and infrastructure improvements that have made it easier for tourists to explore different parts of the state?

In recent years, in collaboration with the Government of India, the state has initiated numerous infrastructure projects such as All Weather Roads and railway endeavours. These ongoing projects, upon completion, are poised to significantly enhance connectivity across various regions within the state. The impending inauguration of the Delhi–Dehradun expressway is anticipated to benefit tourists and emerge as a pivotal economic corridor.

The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation are engaged in a concerted effort to establish air connectivity to remote areas of the state. Pithoragarh is soon expected to be linked by air routes through Dehradun and Pantnagar, a development projected to augment tourism footfall in the region substantially.

Furthermore, the improved railway connections, particularly in areas like Karnprayag, are predicted to increase tourist visits to nearby destinations. This enhancement in accessibility is poised to impact tourism dynamics positively across these regions.

Could you share some examples of how Uttarakhand is involved and benefiting from the active participation of local communities in tourism development and activities?

Uttarakhand faces a significant migration challenge as individuals from hilly areas gravitate toward the plains in pursuit of better opportunities. Within this context, tourism emerges as a pivotal factor in offering livelihood prospects to the local youth. The government is actively empowering local communities to curate activities that align with the interests of contemporary tourists.

Numerous examples of community-based tourist villages throughout the state serve as inspiring models for other regions. Sarmauli Village in Pithoragarh district is an exemplary case where the community has cultivated homestays, engaged in agricultural activities, and established nature-based pursuits such as birdwatching, trails, and treks catering to tourists. Similarly, the Goat Villages are spread across several centres in the state, training and empowering village communities in activities like cattle rearing, farming, and setting up homestays. Tourists seeking authentic experiences are drawn to these villages for immersive interactions with the local populace.

The tourism department consistently conducts nature and heritage guide training programs for local youth across various state regions. These initiatives equip the youth with birdwatching skills, flora and fauna identification, and knowledge about regional heritage structures, folklore, local deities, and temples. Subsequently, these trained guides collaborate with tourist groups to enrich their experience.

Recently, the department piloted an experiment in Pithoragarh district, training four local youths in nature-based professional photography and videography over three weeks. This initiative aimed to impart a skill set that could sustain rural youth's livelihood. Recognising the significance of content creation in the era of social media, these individuals will now act as content creators for Uttarakhand Tourism, showcasing the state's unique biodiversity and cultural richness. Building upon the success of this endeavour, the department aims to expand this model to other regions, empowering local youth with specific skills that enable them to generate livelihoods while enhancing the tourism experience for visitors to their respective areas.

Are there any recent or upcoming developments or projects in Uttarakhand's tourism sector that you would like to highlight, and how do you envision impacting the state's tourism landscape?

The Government of Uttarakhand has introduced the Tourism Investor Policy 2023-2030, aimed at attracting investors in the Hospitality and Experiential sectors. Within the Experiential Sector, the focus is cultivating tourist experiences such as trekking routes, hot air ballooning, and other environmentally sustainable tourism ventures.

Anticipating adventure tourism as a significant catalyst for future tourism growth, the Adventure Wing of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) is diligently working on developing numerous sites for aero-tourism, water-based activities, trekking, and mountaineering.

The George Everest Estate, the former residence of Sir George Everest near Mussoorie, is undergoing development to become a central hub for various tourism-related activities. The Himalaya Darshan Scheme, commencing from this estate, offers tourists a bird's eye view of the majestic Himalayan peaks through a 15-20 minute helicopter ride. Plans are underway to introduce the concept of "Breakfast Tourism," enabling tourists to embark on helicopter rides from George Everest Estate to tranquil destinations like Dayara Bugyal for a serene breakfast amidst nature, completing the trip within 3-4 hours.

To amplify tourist footfall in areas beyond the usual tourist hubs, various tourism facilities are in the pipeline for destinations like Jageshwar Temple in villages in Almora, Pithoragarh and Uttarkashi districts. These efforts aim to distribute tourist traffic across the state, alleviating congestion in already overcrowded destinations.

The department envisions hosting regular international water and aero sports events at Tehri Lake.

Furthermore, we recently wrapped up the inaugural Tehri Acro Festival held in Tehri from November 24 to 28. Over 150 paragliding athletes, including 54 international participants from 26 countries, participated in this landmark event. It marked the first of its kind in the country.

Not only this, improving air connectivity is a priority for the state, with outlined intentions to link Dehradun and Pantnagar airports to Amritsar, Varanasi, and Kathmandu. Such initiatives aim to significantly enhance tourist accessibility. Additionally, in the realm of aero sports, Uttarakhand is poised to pioneer the launch of Gyrocopters from Haridwar, marking a pioneering move as the first state to do so. The necessary approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have already been secured.