CM Dhami flags off winter festival in Sankri, calls winter tourism key to self-reliant Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday inaugurated the Kedarkantha Winter Tourism Festival in Sankri village of Uttarkashi district. During the event, he said that winter tourism is very important for making Uttarakhand self-reliant and economically strong. He added that tourism during the winter season can create jobs, protect culture and reduce migration from hill areas.

The Chief Minister flagged off a group of tourists heading towards Kedarkantha and also interacted with local residents, tourists and artists. He urged people to support winter tourism and help turn it into a mass movement across the state.

Dhami said Sankri is not just a village but a “living museum” of Uttarakhand’s folk culture. He explained that the traditions, lifestyle and hospitality of the local people reflect the true identity of the state. He appreciated the role of villagers in welcoming tourists and preserving local culture.

Focus on winter tourism

The Chief Minister said that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged people to travel during winter, tourist interest in Uttarakhand has increased. Popular winter destinations such as Kedarkantha, Harshil, Auli, Munsyari and Sankri have seen a rise in visitors. According to Dhami, this growth has helped create many employment opportunities for local youth.

He explained that winter tourism has boosted jobs in trekking, homestays, hotels, guiding services and transport. Many young people are now earning livelihoods in their own villages instead of moving to cities. This has helped reduce migration from hill areas, which has been a major challenge for the state.

Dhami also said that winter tourism is giving a new market to local food, handicrafts and traditional products. Visitors are showing interest in local cuisine and handmade items, which helps small businesses and women self-help groups. He added that such activities strengthen the rural economy and support sustainable development.

The Chief Minister urged citizens, tourism operators and local communities to work together to promote winter travel responsibly. He said tourism should grow in a way that protects nature, forests and local traditions. Cleanliness, safety and hospitality must remain top priorities, he added.

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Development works and governance

Speaking about development, Dhami said several infrastructure projects are underway in Uttarkashi district. These include road construction, better parking facilities and improvements in health services. He mentioned work on the Purola sub-district hospital, which will help provide better medical care to people in nearby villages.

Referring to the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation, the Chief Minister said the successful rescue of 41 workers after 17 days showed the government’s strong will and dedication. He said the operation proved that the state government does not step back during difficult situations and works with full commitment to save lives.

Dhami also spoke about steps taken to strengthen governance in Uttarakhand. He said the state is focusing on transparent and strict administration through initiatives like the Uniform Civil Code, an anti-cheating law and tough land regulations. He added that the government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and is working to ensure fair development for all.

During the event, local MLA Durgeshwar Lal submitted some development demands related to the area. Dhami assured that these demands would be carefully reviewed and suitable announcements would be made in the future.

The Chief Minister praised the efforts of local artists who performed traditional dances and music during the festival. He said such events help keep folk culture alive and also give artists a platform to showcase their talent before tourists from different parts of the country.

Dhami concluded by saying that winter tourism can become a strong pillar of Uttarakhand’s economy if promoted properly. He appealed to people to visit the state during winter, experience its natural beauty and support local communities. According to him, tourism, culture and development together can lead Uttarakhand towards a self-reliant and prosperous future.