Tourism department told to merge GMVN & KMVN in 3 months

DEHRADUN: The cabinet approved a proposal highlighting 21 key points related to various sectors. The tourism department was granted three months to merge GMVN and KMVN, and to monetise its properties.

On December 16 and 17, the state officials discussed these points and a detailed report was presented to the state government. Following the approval, a training institute would be set up in the state for people coming to Uttarakhand for mountaineering and trekking. Keeping safety in mind in wake of frequent natural disasters, the cabinet shall promote the use of community radio.

Meanwhile, three months' time was allotted for the development of cave tourism in Uttarakhand. The cabinet also asked to ensure that online passes are issued to tourists going to areas included in the inner line limits.

In the next six months, the beautification of urban areas would be done in 'Pahadi' style. Inspired by the mall road of Nainital, authorities also decided to develop Patal Bazaar in Almora. Plans costing less than Rs 3 lakh would not be included under the district plan.

To prevent deaths due to road mishaps, the cabinet decided to set up crash barriers, which would be divided into three categories. Besides this, the state would also focus on operating two-wheeler ambulances.

Apart from this, a tehsil-level office would be opened in Gunji area near the Nepal border within one month.