Uttarakhand Aims to Become Spiritual Capital: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Unveils Ambitious Plan
Image Source: Internet
Dehradun: In a bid to cement its position as the 'spiritual capital' of the world, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to expedite plans for establishing Spiritual Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state's two divisions - Garhwal and Kumaon. According to sources, the proposed SEZs will focus on preserving the state's rich cultural and natural heritage while promoting holistic development of major pilgrimage sites and their surrounding areas. This initiative is expected to create new avenues for employment and self-employment for local youth, boost the state's economy, and enhance its tourism landscape. The zones will also promote yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, naturopathy, local handicrafts, mountain products, and cultural events - all of which contribute to Uttarakhand's unique spiritual identity. Dhami emphasized the need to improve winter travel arrangements and enhance infrastructure at winter destinations to attract more visitors. The state's tourism potential will be aggressively promoted both within India and abroad, using traditional and modern platforms. The broader objective is to boost tourism, improve the standard of living for residents, and ensure sustainable development while safeguarding Uttarakhand's natural and spiritual heritage. The idea is also in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the state, expressed during the silver jubilee celebrations of Uttarakhand's statehood. Modi had said that the state has the potential to emerge as the spiritual capital of the world, given its deep-rooted spiritual traditions and growing prominence in yoga, Ayurveda, and wellness tourism. The detailed roadmap for the SEZs is expected to be formulated within the current fiscal year, with officials working closely to ensure its implementation. The project is expected to connect the state's yoga and wellness centers to the global network of wellness tourism, making it a major hub for spiritual seekers from around the world.
