Rs 49 cr for building six trekking routes

Tribune News Service
Dehradun, August 29

The Uttarakhand Government has approved Rs 49 crore for the construction of six trekking routes under the Uttarakhand Emergency Assistance Project in disaster-affected districts of the state.

The proposal was approved at a meeting of a high-powered committee chaired by Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma. Besides, Rs 25 crore was approved for the construction of trekking routes in Kedarnath.

The trekking routes that have been approved are Munsiyari-Milam-Dung, Kailash-Mansarovar Pindari glacier, Khati Sunderdunga, Kafni glacier and Jankichatti-Yamunotri.

On these routes, shelter sheds for travellers, small bridges, water supply, bench, railing, toilets and protection walls will be constructed. The District Disaster Management Authority will carry out all these works in disaster-affected districts.

Further, the construction of 38 rescue helipads in the first phase was also reviewed. In all, 12 helipads have been constructed, while tenders have been called for 11 more helipads and preparation is on for 15 new tenders.

Significantly, the Chief Secretary has also asked the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Authority to select 20 places from where commercial flights could be started by October 15.