Dehradun, Jan. 6 -- Garhwal Post Bureau

Dehradun, 5 Jan: Chief Secretary (CS) Anand Bardhan chaired a meeting of the High-Powered Committee on Eco-Tourism under the Forest Department at the Secretariat here today. During the meeting, he asserted that a vast portion of the state is covered by forests and, for this reason, Uttarakhand possesses immense potential for eco-tourism. He directed that suitable spots must be identified and developed to create a strong ecosystem for the sector.

Bardhan instructed the officials to prepare a comprehensive policy for trekking and mountaineering, directing that an integrated framework for these activities be finalised and submitted to the government by 15 January. He emphasised that due consultations...