[ad_1]
In a major decision, the Uttarakhand cabinet gave its nod to a proposal to make Mussoorie a ‘tehsil’ (an administrative block). Keeping in mind the popularity of Chaurasi Kutiya in Rishikesh and also the restrictions of the forest department, the cabinet has roped in a prominent firm to prepare a masterplan to develop the area into an “international level destination”. At present Mussoorie is a part of Dehradun Sadar Tehsil. “Mussoorie and Nainital are two key tourist destinations. As a DM, the commissioner sits in Nainital and the HC is also there, the entire system is in place and better than Mussoorie. We need a similar arrangement for Mussoorie,” chief secretary SS Sandhu said, adding, “The SDM of Mussoorie will be made ex-officio joint secretary of Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority.”According to initial plans, some parts of Nainbagh and Dhanaulti – which are part of Tehri district – would be brought under the jurisdiction of Mussoorie tehsil. After formation of the tehsil, all the revenue department related works would be done in the hill town itself. Each year, Mussoorie witnesses a tourist footfall of around 30 lakh. Sandhu added, “We are aware of the popularity and the tourism potential of Chaurasi Kutiya but at the same time, only limited works can be carried out due to the restrictions of the forest department as it is a part of Rajaji National Park. The cabinet has allowed HCP Design Planning and Management Company to make a masterplan and design for the area. The company has earlier prepared a masterplan for Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi and also for Ujjain. We will carry out work after the permission of the forest department.”The ashram, which earlier belonged to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, was run by him till 2003. Chaurasi Kutiya was also promoted as the “Beatles ashram” as the fab four – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr — who were disciples of Mahesh Yogi spent almost three months at the ashram in 1968 and composed 48 songs, of which 20 were recorded while practicing meditation here. It is also known as ‘Chaurasi Kutia ashram‘ for its 84 meditation caves.
A nine-member panel constituted by the National Green Tribunal has proposed steps to curb the problem of Mussoorie’s carrying capacity. The report highlights concerns related to tourism, construction, sewage, waste management, and drinking water. Tourist arrivals have increased from 8.5 lakh in 2000 to over 30 lakh in 2019, resulting in traffic congestion, pollution, waste accumulation, and water scarcity.
The cabinet also approved a housing department proposal for development of the core area of Rishikesh and Haridwar. While the first six months would be used for planning purposes, the next two years would be for implementation of recommendations. For this purpose, a prominent firm would be hired.In other major decisions on Thursday, it gave a nod to drone and MSME policy. Earlier, the state was divided under five categories under the MSME policy but now it will have four categories. Areas which are in remotest locations have been included under category A. The subsidy has been raised for projects up to INR 4 crore. For firms setting up projects like winery units or Pirul based units, an additional subsidy of 10 per cent would be provided. Under the drone policy, the government would give a 50 per cent subsidy on projects up to INR 1 crore for setting up drone schools or pilot training centres.
Source link
