Dehradun. The Uttarakhand government has embarked on a programme to fuse cutting‑edge technology with the state’s trekking and adventure‑tourism sector. On Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially dispatched an expedition team from the CM’s Camp Office to undertake GPS‑GIS mapping and technical surveys of one hundred key trekking and hiking routes throughout Uttarakhand.
Specially formed teams under the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board will carry out on‑ground surveys of the selected trails. Beyond creating precise digital maps, the crews will pinpoint optimal spots for campsites, waste‑bins, rest‑rooms and other vital facilities.
Chief Minister Dhami highlighted the vast untapped potential of Uttarakhand’s trekking corridors. He said that scientific, technology‑driven mapping will render the routes safer, better organised and easier to navigate, while underscoring that visitor safety and Himalayan ecosystem preservation remain top priorities for the administration.
Offline Access to Trail Data
Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal revealed that an integrated online‑offline GPS navigation application will be built using the survey data. Even in regions lacking cellular coverage, trekkers will be able to retrieve essential trail information on their smartphones. The system will also support relief and rescue teams during emergencies.
The initiative is expected to invigorate tourism in remote mountain areas and generate jobs for local youth in guiding, homestays and related services. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure active participation of community members throughout the project.
Following the fieldwork, the Tourism Department will compile a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and publish a coffee‑table book showcasing the findings. The goal is to bring lesser‑known trekking paths into national and international spotlight.
Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Additional Secretary (Tourism) and Additional CEO of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board Abhishek Ruhela, Additional Director (Tourism) Poonam Chand and other senior officials attended the launch ceremony.
