Dehradun. The Uttarakhand government has embarked on a technology‑driven push to modernise trekking and adventure tourism across the state. On Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially inaugurated an expedition team from his camp office to carry out GPS‑GIS mapping and technical surveys of one hundred key trekking and hiking trails.
Specially formed squads under the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board will be on the ground, walking the selected paths. Beyond creating precise digital maps, the teams will pinpoint optimal spots for campsites, waste bins, toilets and other essential amenities.
Why Mapping Matters
Chief Minister Dhami highlighted the state’s vast potential for trekking and adventure travel, noting that scientific and technical mapping will render routes safer, better organised and easier to navigate. He reaffirmed that tourist safety and the preservation of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem remain top priorities.
Route Details Accessible Offline
Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal announced that an online‑offline GPS navigation application will be built using the survey data. Even in zones lacking network coverage, trekkers will be able to retrieve vital trail information on their smartphones. The system will also aid rescue and relief missions during emergencies.
Economic and Community Benefits
The initiative is expected to stimulate tourism in remote mountain regions and generate jobs for local youth in guiding, homestays and related services. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure active involvement of nearby communities throughout the project.
Following the fieldwork, the Tourism Department will compile a Detailed Project Report and publish a coffee‑table book, aiming to spotlight lesser‑known trails and raise their profile 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.
