Famous for its natural, picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Uttarakhand has emerged as an important destination for tourism in India. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, various initiatives have been implemented to enhance tourism infrastructure and promote local engagement, ensuring sustainable development in the sector.

One such initiative is the “Trekking Traction Centre Home Stay Grant Scheme,” an important scheme aimed at promoting community participation in tourism. The Trekking Traction Centre Home Stay Grant Scheme emphasizes the importance of local participation in the tourism sector.

By providing financial assistance to villagers within a 2 km radius of identified trekking centres, the government aims to encourage the construction and improvement of homestays. This initiative is important in creating a symbiotic relationship between tourism and local communities, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism reach the grassroots level.

Under this scheme, the state government allocates financial grants for various purposes. Villagers can get up to Rs 60,000 per room for constructing new buildings, including essential amenities like toilets. For those who already have rooms built, the government provides Rs 25,000 to equip these places to meet the needs of tourists.

This financial support not only encourages homestay development but also promotes adherence to local architectural styles, including traditional Pahari-style buildings, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal and authenticity of the tourist experience. To ensure that the scheme truly benefits residents of Uttarakhand, it includes specific eligibility criteria. Preference is given to native villagers living near trekking centres. This condition reinforces the importance of local knowledge and hospitality in providing a rich experience for visitors. Furthermore, the requirement for homestay operators to live on the premises with their families promotes a welcoming environment where tourists can experience genuine local culture and warmth. The requirement for homestay registration is another important aspect of this initiative. It not only helps maintain standards of service and safety for tourists but also allows the government to monitor and support the growth of this emerging sector.

By formalising homestays, the government can ensure that the tourism experience is in line with the values ​​of Uttarakhand as well as provide significant revenue for local families.

I believe that the efforts to promote tourism through the “Trekking Traction Centre Home Stay Grant Scheme” represent a remarkable approach to sustainable tourism development. By prioritizing local participation, preserving traditional architecture and providing financial support, the Uttarakhand government is creating a model that not only enhances the visitor experience but also uplifts local communities. These initiatives exemplify the commitment to fostering a thriving tourism industry while ensuring that the benefits of such development are shared equitably among the people of Uttarakhand. This reflects the vision of the current government of Uttarakhand and its commitment to the local people for which the government deserves all praise.

Article written by and Editorial credit: State Bureau Chief Himanshu Nauriyal.