Dehradun, Sept. 19 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday flagged off a team instructed to conduct comprehensive technical surveys and mapping of 100 major trekking and hiking routes across the state through GPS and GIS (geographic information system) technology. The teams were formed by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB). "Scientific mapping of trekking routes would provide trekkers with essential route-related information and also improve the effectiveness of relief and rescue` operations during emergencies", said Dhami. He stressed the state government's commitment to safety of tourists. Dhami also stressed the need to conserve the state's sensitive Himalayan ecology while promoting tourism. He said the project would help boost tourism in remote areas and create employment opportunities for local youth. Tourism secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal said GPS/GIS mapping and technical surveys of 100 major trek and hike routes would be carried out under the project....