Dehradun. The Uttarakhand government has embarked on an ambitious plan to fuse cutting‑edge technology with the state’s flourishing trekking and adventure‑tourism sector. On Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally dispatched an expedition team from his camp office to execute GPS‑GIS mapping and technical surveys of one‑hundred prominent trekking and hiking corridors across the region.
Survey Teams and Their Mandate
Tasked by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, the field teams will traverse the selected trails, recording precise digital coordinates while pinpointing optimal spots for campsites, waste‑bins, toilet blocks and other visitor facilities.
Why the Survey Matters
Chief Minister Dhami highlighted the state’s vast untapped potential for trekking and adventure tourism. He stressed that scientific, tech‑driven mapping will render the paths safer, better organized and more user‑friendly, while also safeguarding the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
“Our priority is the safety of tourists and the preservation of the mountains. Modern mapping will help us achieve both,” Dhami said.
Route Data Even Without Mobile Signal
Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal announced that the survey findings will feed into a dedicated GPS navigation application, available in both online and offline modes. Hikers will be able to download route maps, altitude profiles and facility locations to their smartphones, ensuring access even in signal‑dead zones. The same technology will aid emergency responders during rescue missions.
Economic and Community Benefits
- Generation of new jobs for local youth as guides, homestay operators and support staff.
- Enhanced visibility for lesser‑known trails, attracting national and international trekkers.
- Active involvement of village communities in planning and maintenance.
Following the fieldwork, the Tourism Department will compile a Detailed Project Report and produce a coffee‑table book showcasing the mapped routes, aiming to put Uttarakhand’s hidden trekking gems on the global map.
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Additional Secretary (Tourism) Abhishek Ruhela, Additional Director (Tourism) Poonam Chand and other senior officials were present to witness the launch.
