Dehradun. In a bid to blend cutting‑edge technology with the state’s adventure‑tourism potential, the Uttarakhand government has set in motion a comprehensive GPS‑GIS mapping exercise for one hundred prominent trekking and hiking corridors. The initiative was inaugurated on Friday by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who dispatched an expedition team directly from his camp office.
Specially formed squads under the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board will trek the selected pathways, recording precise digital footprints while simultaneously scouting for optimal spots to install campsites, waste‑bins, sanitation units and other visitor amenities.
Why the Mapping Matters
Speaking at the launch, CM Dhami highlighted the state’s untapped capacity for trekking and adventure travel. He asserted that scientific route‑mapping will render the trails safer, more orderly and easier to navigate, thereby safeguarding tourists and preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Information Accessible Even Offline
Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal announced that the data gathered will feed into a dual‑mode GPS navigation application—available both online and offline. This means trekkers can retrieve critical trail details on their smartphones even in zones lacking cellular coverage. The same platform is expected to aid rescue teams during emergencies.
Economic and Community Impact
The project is projected to invigorate tourism in remote mountain hamlets, creating jobs for local youth in guiding, homestay management and ancillary services. The chief minister urged officials to ensure that surrounding communities are actively involved throughout the undertaking.
Following the field surveys, the Tourism Department will compile a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and publish a coffee‑table book that showcases lesser‑known routes, aiming to raise their profile on national and international stages.
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Additional Secretary (Tourism) and Additional CEO of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board Abhishek Ruhela, Additional Director (Tourism) Poonam Chand, along with other senior officials, were present for the ceremony.
