NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mukhwa-Harsil in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, on March 6, 2025, where he made a compelling case for promoting round-the-year tourism in the state.
Addressing a rally in Harsil after offering prayers at the village of Mukhwa, the winter abode of Goddess Ganga, PM Modi highlighted the importance of eliminating the off-season in Uttarakhand’s tourism industry to strengthen the state’s economy.
“The government’s vision of year-round tourism will boost the economy and create employment opportunities for the youth,” he said.
Emphasizing that visitors will experience the true beauty of the state during the winter months, he encouraged people to explore Uttarakhand during the off-peak season.
Modi noted, “When fog covers the rest of the country, Uttarakhand is bathed in sunlight.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of extending the benefits of tourism to the state’s border areas, some of which were evacuated during the 1962 war with China.
डबल इंजन सरकार में डबल गति से जारी विकास कार्यों से साफ है कि ये दशक उत्तराखंड का दशक है। आज देवभूमि के हर्षिल में अपने परिवारजनों से मिलकर अत्यंत हर्षित हूं। https://t.co/SLFidzuX2Y
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 6, 2025
He revealed that efforts are underway to rehabilitate these villages, further strengthening the state’s appeal as a tourist destination.
PM Modi also referred to two key infrastructure projects — the Sonprayag to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji ropeways, both approved by the Union Cabinet on March 5, 2025.
These projects are set to reduce travel time to just 30 minutes, making pilgrimage destinations more accessible to tourists.
In his call for a “360-degree approach to tourism,” PM Modi expressed his belief that it would pave the way for the state’s long-term growth. He also flagged off a trek and bike rally to promote the state’s diverse landscapes.
In a heartwarming cultural gesture, PM Modi was seen wearing the traditional “Chapkan” (a kind of woolen coat) presented by the Gangotri Temple Committee.
The local villagers performed a joyous Rasaun dance to welcome the Prime Minister, which he greatly appreciated. The Chapkan, made from Bhendi (wool), is considered a symbol of respect and warmth in the region.
