Dehradun. The Uttarakhand government has embarked on a high‑tech drive to boost trekking and adventure tourism across the state. On Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially sent off an expedition team from his camp office to carry out GPS‑GIS mapping and detailed technical surveys of one hundred key trekking and hiking routes.
Specialised teams formed under the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board will hit the ground to record each trail. Beyond creating precise digital maps, the crews will pinpoint ideal spots for campgrounds, waste bins, sanitary facilities and other essential amenities.
Chief Minister Dhami highlighted Uttarakhand's vast untapped trekking potential, noting that scientific mapping will render the routes more secure, better organised and easier to follow. He reiterated that visitor safety and the preservation of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem remain top priorities for the administration.
Offline Route Data Accessible Without Mobile Signal
Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal announced plans for an integrated online‑offline GPS navigation application derived from the survey data. Even in regions lacking network coverage, trekkers will be able to retrieve critical trail information on their smartphones. The same technology will aid rescue teams and relief operations during emergencies.
The initiative is expected to invigorate tourism in remote mountain zones and generate jobs for local youth in guiding, homestays and other tourism‑related services. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure active participation of community members throughout the project.
Following the fieldwork, the Tourism Department will compile a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and publish a coffee‑table book showcasing the findings. The goal is to bring lesser‑known trekking paths into the spotlight, both nationally and internationally.
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Additional Secretary (Tourism) and Additional CEO of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board Abhishek Ruhela, Additional Director (Tourism) Poonam Chand, and other senior officials attended the launch ceremony.
