Dehradun. The Uttarakhand government has embarked on a technology‑driven push to modernise trekking and adventure tourism across the hills. On Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally dispatched an expedition team from his camp office to commence GPS‑GIS mapping and technical surveys of one hundred prominent trekking and hiking corridors in the state.

Specialised squads formed under the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board will walk the selected trails, charting them digitally while pinpointing ideal spots for campsites, waste bins, toilets and other essential infrastructure.

Offline Route Data for Connectivity‑Challenged Areas

Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal disclosed that the data gathered will feed into both online and offline navigation applications. Even in zones where cellular networks are absent, trekkers will be able to retrieve critical trail information on their smartphones, a feature that will also bolster rescue and relief missions during emergencies.

“Scientific mapping is the key to making our trekking routes safer, better organised and more accessible, while safeguarding the fragile Himalayan ecosystem,” said CM Dhami.

The initiative is expected to invigorate tourism in remote mountain regions and generate livelihood options for local youth, ranging from guiding services to homestay operations. The chief minister has instructed officials to ensure active participation of community members throughout the project.

Following the fieldwork, the Tourism Department will compile a Detailed Project Report and publish a coffee‑table book, aiming to spotlight lesser‑known trails and raise their profile on national and international platforms.

Present at the launch were Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Additional Secretary (Tourism) and Additional CEO of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board Abhishek Ruhela, Additional Director (Tourism) Poonam Chand, along with other senior officials.