Vijaya Barthawal becomes first deputy speaker of Uttarakhand

BJP MLA Vijaya Barthawal, become the first deputy speaker of Uttarakhand assembly. The opposition parties Congress and BSP not field the candidate against Barthawal. Both the parties criticised the ruling party for not following the healthy traditions of a parliamentary democracy and said the post of Deputy Speaker goes to the opposition by convention. Vijaya Barthawal is from Yamkeshwar assembly seat in Pauri district.

Uttarakhand Small Pond Owners will get 30% Subsidy

Uttarakhand state government has decided to give 30% subsidy benefit to the fishponds owners having a size of more than 50 sq metres fishpond. Earlier it was available to fishponds of more than 100 sq metres.

According to Animal Husbandry Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, "In the hills of Uttarakhand, people generally keep small ponds. So we decided that the benefits of the subsidy should also reach small pond owners”.

The step is taken to give boost to the business of fisheries as fish in the Himalayan belt are considered tasty. In addition to this, the department will also provide five ducks to small pond owners and 10 ducks to big pond owners, as per the growing demand of duck eggs in the market.

Uttarakhand Wild Grass Furniture

With a theme "close to nature" Uttarakhand people start making use of the locally grown wild grass as a raw material for making furniture. The wild grass which they are using is popularly, known as lantana, the grass is invasive, and is considered to be a noxious weed. The grass is the same weed which was considered a curse by the locals till now, and the same weed now turning into a blessing for the local people.

Uttarakhand based non-governmental organization (NGO), HAFCO, is conducting workshops for the locals and training them in making innovative articles like flower vases, stools, racks, dustbins and furniture pieces such as sofa sets, tables and chairs.

Corbett & Rajaji National Parks Opened for Tourists

Corbett & Rajaji National Parks are now opened for tourists after the forest guards deferred their agitation in the wake of assurances given by the Uttarakhand government to look into their demands which include hike in their wages.

Uttarakhand Forest Guards Federation locked the gates of Corbett and Rajaji National parks which creates difficulty to the tourists and wildlife lovers coming from different parts of the country.

The two national parks reopen for tourists on November 15 every year after remaining closed for monsoon season.

Jim Corbett national park is known for tigers & Rajaji national park known for Asiatic elephants, which attracts lakhs of tourists every year.

Uttarakhand Char Dhams Closed for Winter

The Char Dham yatra in Uttarakhand is now closed for devotees. The closing ceremony of Badrinath Dham was attended by around 3,000 devotees, including chief minister BC Khanduri. Badrinath Dham, one of the four "dhams'' of the Uttarakhand state, opened on May 9. The shrine is opened and closed as per the auspicious "muhurat''. Badrinath's closing date is decided upon by priests on the occasion of "Vijaya Dashmi'' (Dussehra) and the opening day on the occasion of "Basant Panchami'' every year. Similarly, The Gangotri Dham was closed on October 29 while Yamunotri and Kedarnath dhams closed on October 30 this year. With the closure of the Badrinath, which is the last of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand to close, the yatra comes to an end officially. The yatra is resumed in April every year.

Rural Organization for Social Elevation (R.O.S.E.)

Jeevan Paying Guest Unit Registered by Tourism Department collaboration with the Kurmanchal Seva Sansthan / Rural Organization for Social Elevation (R.O.S.E.) is introduced as a noble effort in Village / Eco tourism in rural India. It was founded in 1981 by local residents concerned about the plight of the poor in the Kanda area of Uttarakhand, India. In 1988 it began accepting International tourists (students / international volunteers) . Since then it has accepted over 350 tourist from all over the world to work and live immersed in village life and the local culture for anywhere from 1 week to 25 weeks. It is a unique approach to tourism that supports and uplifts the local community .JPGU is currently trying to reach out like-minded individuals and Tourism Information Center in order to form a network to share information and bring awareness to its existence. International visitors from many different countries are exposed to the Kumaoni lifestyle. Since one defines himself while meetings difference, eco tourists are also a good opportunity for the locals to realize the importance of their culture. When living and talking with eco tourists, Kanda people have to explain every aspect of their culture which make them realize the beauty of their culture. Besides, Village tourism has encouraged locals to organize cultural events to share with the visitors. These are opportunities for the eldest members of the community to share their tradition with the youngest. Indeed, ecotourism allow transmission of the culture from one generation to another. To find out more about JPGU, the work it does, and the opportunities it provides for tourists, please visit - www.bageshwar.nic.in/excursions.htm & http://www.rosekanda.org

Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand

Following list is the Chronological order of Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand


Nityanand Swami: Nityanand Swami was the first chief minister of Uttarakhand - from November 2000 to 2001. He belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Bhagat Singh Koshiyari: Bhagat Singh Koshiyari was the second chief minister of Uttarakhand - from November 2001 to 2002. He belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party.

As a carrer graph in politics, Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, joined the RSS. He took part in the struggle against the Emergency and was imprisoned. In 2000, he was appointed minister of Energy, Irrigation, Law, and Legislative Affairs of the newly created state of Uttarakhand. In 2001 he replaced Nityanand Swami as the chief minister. He has also served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party of his state.

Narayan Dutt Tiwari: Narayan Dutt Tiwari, was the chief minister of Uttarakhand - from November 2002 to 2007. He belongs to the Indian National Congress. In his political carrer, he became governor of the state of Andhra Pradesh, three times chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and chief minister of Uttarakhand.



Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri: Maj. Gen. Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri is the current chief minister of uttarakhand. He elected on 8 march 2007. He was also a former minister in the Indian federal government.

Uttarakhand to be funded by Asian Development Bank

In an announcement, Uttarakhand government would sign an agreement with the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) for getting a loan of $350 million to boost up Uttarakhand infrastructure for travel and tourism. Under this infrastructure facilities like roads, bridges, water supply and sanitation system would be strengthened in 31 cities and towns of the state.

The agreement is expected to be signed early coming month. The cities where the government intends to strengthen infrastructure facilities include Dehra Dun, Nainital, Haridwar, Haldwani, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, New Tehri, Pauri and Almora.

BJP sweeps Uttarakhand Panchayat Polls

In Uttarakhand Panchayat Polls BJP bagged 9 out of 12 District Panchayat president posts at various district headquarters on October 10. The districts on which BJP won are Pithoragarh, Champawat, Rudraprayag, Pauri, Almora, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Bageshwar. In the polls Congress managed to win only two seats of Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar, while a seat of Dehradun has gone to an independent.

- In Tehri, Shri Ratan Singh Gunsola of BJP won
- In Pauri, Shri Keshav Singh Negi of BJP won
- In Uttarkashi, Shri Narayan Singh Chauhan of BJP won
- In Chamoli, Smt Vijaya Rawat of BJP won
- In Rudraprayag, Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt of BJP won
- In Pithoragarh, Smt. Ranjana Devi of BJP won
- In Bageshwar, Shri Ram Singh Koranga of BJP won
- In Almora, Shri Mohan Ram of BJP won
- In Udham Singh Nagar, Smt. Sushila Gangwar of Congress won

Sanjivani Paranteral buys plant in Uttarakhand

Sanjivani Paranteral Ltd. has bought a new pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Uttarakhand. The plant has a capacity to produce 1 billion units of tablets and 10 million units of dry syrups a year and is expected to add 250 million rupees year to revenue and 50 million rupees a year to net profit of the company

Herakhan temple in Uttarakhand fascinates devotees from all across the world

Herakhan Temple, situated at the foothills of Mount Kailash and along the banks of River Gautama Ganga, now become a major attraction for devotees.

Tourists visiting Uttarakhand from different parts of the world attend the special Puja performed on the occasion of Dussera here at this famous temple. The place gained popularity after Herakhan Baba, who renovated it several decades ago. The temple has been named after him.

The temple is situated almost within a cave where Baba is said to have meditated after arriving from the Kailash Mountain. Devotees today remember him as an incarnation Lord Shiva. He passed away in 1984.

A special attraction is the convergence of a large number of religious-minded foreigners, who find this place irresistibly overwhelming. Many of these tourists also perform various Hindu rituals during the Puja at the temple.

Rock Climbing in Uttarakhand

North Zone Sports Climbing Committee of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation organized a three day north zone sports climbing competition in Nainital, Uttarakhand. lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering were the main events. To participate in the competition peoplecame from Delhi, Jammu Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, ITBP, NSG, Airforce and Army.

Indian Railway in Uttarakhand

Now boosting up the aspects of travel and toursim in Uttarakhand, the Indian Railways is planning to start trains from Rishikesh to Karanprayag, and also to Kalsi area, bordering Himachal Pradesh from Dehra Dun city.

Around 60 to 70 per cent of the survey for the 126-km long Rishikesh-Karanprayag route in Garhwal region, has already been completed. the estimated cost for this entire project is Rs 1,372 crore. The remaining survey is expected to be completed in next two months. The expected rail route will be Rishikesh-Devprayag-Srinagar-Karanprayag, along the rivers Ganga and Alaknanda.

Hotels in Haridwar

Avail the list of hotels in Haridwar.

Hotel Suvidha
Address : Shravan Nath Nagar, (Behind Chitra Cinema), Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India

Ginger Haridwar
Address : Khasara No. 48M/50M, Bopatwala Kalan, Doodhadhari Chowk, Haridwar - 249410, Uttarakhand, India
Tel : +91-1334-663333
Website : www.gingerhotels.com

Country Inn & Suites By Carlson
Address : Motichur, Haripur Kalan, Haridwar Rishikesh Highway, Haridwar Uttarakhand, India
Website : www.countryinns.com

Sun Hotel
Address : Opp. Railway Station, Niranjani Akhara Bagh, Sharvan Nath Nagar, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
Tel : +91-1334-266942/266943
Website : www.sunhotels.in

A detailed list of hotels in haridwar and other uttarakhand spots has been given at http://www.inuttarakhand.com/haridwar-hotels.html

Uttarakhand in Online Business

Kalosoft Technologies introduces Galaxyretail.com, a new e-commerce domain, for SME's who wants to do online business.

Galaxyretail.com is an online marketplace where the companies or individuals who are interested in doing business with India, can get themselves registered to cater to the Indian buyers and get the trading leads, contacts in the Indian business economy.

According to one of its client "I really feel galaxyretail.com is a good market place for the company who wants to start their operations in India,".

The company is based in the capital Dehradun of Uttarakhand, India. The company is having the team of experienced engineers, involved in the development of customised software solutions for medium and small scale business.

Hotels in Nainital

Get the list of hotels in Nainital

Royal Hotel
Address : Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
Accessibility : Bus-Stand: 1KM., Railway Station: 34KM.

The Corbett Hideaway, (Corbett Park)
Address : Zero, Garjia, Dhikuli, Distt. Nainital, Ramnagar- 244 715, Uttarakhand, India
Tel : +(91)-(5947)-284132 / 284134
Fax : +(91)-(5947)-284133

Himalaya Hotel
Address : Near Bus Stand, Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
Tel : +91 5942 235258

Hotel Channi Raja
Address : The Mall, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
Accessibility : Bus-Stand: 8KM., Railway Station: 10KM.

For detailes list of hotels in Nainital click at
www.inuttarakhand.com/nainital-hotels.html

Basant Panchami Festival

Basant Panchami is celebrated in the month of spring i.e in between january and february. The festival indicates the end of winter. In Basant Panchami people worship Goddess Saraswati and wear yellow colour dress. In some places people also eat yellow color traditional food. Basant Panchami also marks the beginning of baithaks.

Hotels in Mussoorie

Hotel Luxmount
Address : Mall Road, Kulri Market, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Accessibility : Airport: 90 Min. drive, Railway Station: 70 Min. drive

Jaypee Residency Manor
Address : P.O. Barlowganj, Mussoorie-248122, Uttarakhand, India

Hotel Nand Residency
Address : Mall Road, Kulri Market, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Tel :+91-135-2632088, 2631442

Cloud End Forest Resort
Address : P.O.Box No. 1, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India

Avalon Resort
Address : Gunhill, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Tel :+91-135-2632972, 2632973

For Detailed list of Hotels in Mussoorie log on at www.inuttarakhand.com/mussoorie-hotels.html

Raincoats made up of Palm Leaves

One more reason for uttarakhand to be in limelight of travel and toursim industry on India, is its RAINCOAT which is now major centre of attraction among local and foreign tourists.

Kaladungi in Uttarakhand is now popular among indian and foreign tourists for its "PALM LEAVES made RAINCOAT". These raincoats are made by villagers who spend a day in collecting palm leaves and it takes them three to four hours to prepare one raincoat.

Traditionally villagers use this coat during rains and other seasons to protect themselves. But this tradition gives them a good source of income also, as its demands keep going on increasing day by day especially among those travellers who visited India from different countries of the world.

Pawan Hans Helicopters for Kedarnath in Uttarakhand

Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd. resumed daily helicopter services (post monsoon) to the Kedarnath Shrine. It is deploying a five- seater Bell 407 helicopter from two places in Uttarakhand – Augustmuni and Phata. The services will be available tentatively up to 22nd of october month.

Augustmuni is located 17 kms. beyond Rudraprayag en-route to Kedarnath. Rudraprayag is around 140 kms. from Rishikesh and is linked by good motor able roads. The service originates from the helipad located at a playground in Augustmuni. The flying time is around 45 minutes for a round trip (Augustmuni – Kedarnath – Augustmuni).

Phata, is around 50 kms. from Augustmuni enroute to Kedarnath and 18 kms. short of Gaurikund. The distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 14 kms. By providing the facility of helicopter services from Phata, the flying time has been reduced to 20 minutes for a round trip (Phata – Kedarnath – Phata).

Wipro plans to introduce itself in Uttarakhand

Wipro is going to start its second unit in Uttarakhand. On 11 sep 2008, Wipro Infotech unveiled its second manufacturing unit at Kotdwar in Uttarakhand.

This manufacturing unit, spread over 5.8 acres of land, would manufacture servers, storage, notebooks, desktops and allied goods, a release said.

Education Worldwide India- Dehradun

Date of Exhibition : May 20 to 21, 2008
Next Date of Exhibition : May 2009

Venue of Exhibition : Hotel Madhuban, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Organizer of Education Worldwide India- Dehradun :

Global Events & Expositions Pvt. Ltd
A-209 - 211, Ansal Chambers - I
Wing A, Bhikaji Cama Place
New Delhi – 110066
India

Destination Uttarakhand 2008

Destination Uttarakhand 2008

Destination Uttarakhand 2008 aims to create an industry friendly environment in the state by playing the role of a facilitator for holistic industrial development.

Organizer of Destination Uttarakhand 2008

Friendz Exhibitions and Promotions Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi, India

Exhibition Date : October 18 to 20, 2008

Venue of Exhibition : Pacific Hotel, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Hotels in Dehradun

Get the list of Hotels in Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Inder Lok Hotel
Address : Anekant Palace, 29-Rajpur Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Accessibility : Airport : 24KM., Bus-Stand: 1KM., Railway Station: 2.5KM.

Hotel MJ Residency
Address : 54 Haridwar Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Accessibility : Airport : 21KM., Bus-Stand: 1KM., Railway Station: 1.5KM.

Aketa Hotel
Address : 1-2 Rajpur Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Accessibility : Airport : 26KM., Bus-Stand: 3KM., Railway Station: 3KM.

For more hotels in dehradun click at List of Hotels in Dehradun

Mobile Hospitals in Uttarakhand

In an impressive decision Uttarakhand is planning to launch 13 mobile hospitals to provide best medical facilities at the doorsteps and to tackle emergencies like accidents in the hill state.

In a report by health misnistry, in Uttarakhand road accidents were very common and nearly 300 to 500 persons being killed every year in such incidents and most of the time, people do not get medical facilities in time.

These mobile hospitals, would have specialised teams of doctors and surgeons, and be stationed at the district headquarters and could be rushed on the distress call. Health Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank claimed that Uttarakhand would be the first state in the country to have hospitals on wheels.

Rs 1 crore is to be expected as a cost for each mobile hospital. The government has invited global tenders, which would be finalised in two months time and it has so far received 130 tenders.

Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN)

Addresses of GMVN offices in Rishikesh, Dehradun and Delhi

Rishikesh (Yatra Office)
AGM (Tourism)
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.,
Tourist Information Centre
(Advance Reservation Centre)
Shail Vihar, Haridwar Bye Pass Road,
Rishikesh - 249201.
Tel.: 0135 - 2431793, 2431783, 2432648
(R) 2430357
Fax: 0135 - 2430372.
Email: yatra@gmvnl.com ,
yatraoffice@sancharnet.in

Dehradun (Head Office)
GM (Tourism)
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.
74/1, Rajpur Road, Dehradun -248001
Tel.: 0135 - 2747898, 2746817, 2749308
2748478, 2749272
Fax: 0135 - 2748479
Email: gmvn@gmvnl.com ,
gmvn@sancharnet.in

Uttarakhand Tourism
PRO Delhi
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.
102- Indraprakash Building, Barakhamba Road,
New Delhi 110001
Tel.: 011-23350481, 23326620.
Fax : 011-23327713.
Email: delhi@gmvnl.com .

For Advance Booking of Rest Houses in Garhwal Plz log on at www.gmvnl.com

For More Hotels in Uttarakhand click at inuttarakhand.com

Tata's Nano in Uttarakhand

With a possibility that Tata Motors could shift its Nano project to Uttarakhand, Chief Minister B C Khanduri today reiterated that his government was ready to extend all help to the auto giant in case it sets up the car plant at Pantnagar (Uttarakhand).

But apart from this C.M. has also made it clear that he would not send a formal invitation to Tata Motors in this regard.

“Let the proposal comes from Tata Motors. We will sit and sort out all issues,” as per Khanduri statement to reporters.

Khanduri also tried to entice Tata Motors stating that the company must take benefits of the heavy sops available in the state in the wake of Central Industrial Package (CIP) 2003.

“The company can take all the tax benefits which are available in Uttarakhand,” he further added.

The Chief Minister also said informal talks at the bureaucratic level were on between the state government and the company over the Nano project.

Chief Secretary Indu Kumar Pande also confirmed that he today held talks with top Tata Motors officials but said the company gave no commitment.

Khanduri’s comments came a day after Tata Motors suspended its work at Singur car plant and said it was looking for other sites to make the world’s cheapest car.

Ref: www.business-standard.com

Explore Uttarakhand

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