Focus on investment in infrastructure improvement in hill areas: Chief Minister

Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat has said that efforts are being made to develop Uttarakhand as a Wellness Destination. For this, the world-class tourism infrastructure needs to be strengthened. He said that a major initiative has been taken in this direction with the cooperation of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Union Government. He further said that there is a need to focus on infrastructural improvement in the remote and hill areas for the inclusive development. Chief Minister said in his address during a discussion on ‘Vision of Infrastructure Development in India’ at the third meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank at NCPA in Mumbai on Monday.
Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand is a development aspirant state. He asserted that there is immense scope for investments in the field of infrastructure. He disclosed that with the help of Central Government, in road, railways, air services etc, several important projects have been started in the recent past, while adding that the ‘All Weather Road’ will bring a big change in Uttarakhand’s economy.
Chief Minister also said that today the whole world has started acknowledging the power of yoga. He said that in Uttarakhand, there is great potential in the field of yoga and Ayurveda. He further said that the possibility of a Medi City should also be considered here, while adding, where all forms of medical services – Ayurveda, allopathic homeopathic, naturopathy etc, are available. He said that processing hubs can be set up for the herbs grown in the hill areas.
Chief Minister said that there are many possibilities of IT, biotechnology, artificial intelligence in Uttarakhand. He said that through religious, adventure, cultural, nature, wellness and village tourism, Uttarakhand can be made recognizable as a multi-purpose tourist hub. He informed the gathering that under ‘13 District 13 New Destination’, in every district one new tourist destination is being developed.
Chief Minister said “we are eager to make our state an innovation hub”. He informed that a startup policy has been formulated for this. He also said that Uttarakhand is among the leading states in ‘Ease of Doing Business’. Chief Minister added that an investment friendly environment is there in the state and single window clearance system has also been implemented.
Chief Minister said that the state can speed up development if there is excellent digital infrastructure along with physical infrastructure. Uttarakhand has been trying to increase the internet connectivity in the state. Uttarakhand is the first state which is using ballon technology for mobile and internet connectivity.
Chief Minister said that on the lines of Special Economic Zones, exclusive digital zone could be established where IT based services, BPO, call centres and design and manufacturing units of electronics systems could be based. He said with the use of Information technology and digital systems in smart traffic signaling, payment of essential services and CCTV surveillance, the quality of life of the citizens could be improved.
Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat said that investments could be made in different sectors in infrastructure development in Uttarakhand. These include road improvement and road security, ropeways, Mass rapid transport system, drinking water infrastructure, sewerage, rejuvenation of water resources, Jamrani, Song and Tyuni dam projects, micro hydel projects, laying of power transmission lines, infrastructure development in urban areas, International convention centre at Rishikesh and development of Tehri as a tourist destination. Union Minister Piyush Goel also participated in the discussion.