Date:12/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/10/12/stories/2006101201491900.htm

Back Uttaranchal keen on developing water tourism

V. Sajeev Kumar

Plans to adopt Kerala model in Tehri

Kochi , Oct. 11

Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd (GMVN), an Uttaranchal State undertaking engaged in tourism activities, has entrusted the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) to prepare a project report on the scope of developing water-based tourism in the Tehri Dam Lake.

A team of officials from KSINC led by its Managing Director, Mr K.N. Satheesh, visited Uttaranchal recently and held discussions with the Chief Secretary there to identify the locations and various watercrafts suitable for the lake as well as in the River Ganges and Bhageerathi.

Himalayan Valley

Mr Satheesh told Business Line that the Tehri reservoir formed for Tehri hydroelectric project offers tremendous scope for water-based tourism activities within and around the reservoir. Unlike in Kerala, the lakes in Uttaranchal are deeper and the boats intended are for use in Tehri Dam Lake.

The main reservoir formed by the construction of Tehri Dam comprises of an area of 42 km and extends to both Bhageerathi as well as Bhilangana valleys.

The lake, he said, starts from the now submerged Tehri town and goes up to Neri in Bhageerathi valley and up to Ghyansali in Bhilanagana valley. The lake lies in beautiful Himalayan valley surrounded by high mountains, characteristic flora and fauna, snow-laden peaks in winters and picturesque landscapes.

BOT Project

KSINC's intention is to prepare necessary designs of watercrafts and selection of materials to be used for construction to minimise the recurring cost on its maintenance. Proper jetty considering the changing water levels in the lake be designed to enable safe operation of vessels.

The manning of the boats has to be undertaken by the corporation during the initial periods and train the locals to take over subsequently. The construction should be eco-friendly and cover all safety aspects. KSINC will also consider taking the project on a BOT basis, he said.

According to Mr Satheesh, the officers of GMVN had visited Kerala during the festival season of Onam and examined various activities of KSINC and requested the company to send a team of officers to study the potential of water based tourism in their State.

The company had evinced interest in developing Kerala model water tourism activities in the Tehri Dam Lake on the initiative of the Uttaranchal Government. The detailed project report in his regard is likely to be submitted by the end of this month, he added.