Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually took part in the Employment Registration Certificate Distribution Program for trained Nature Guides on Saturday from the Chief Minister’s Residence Auditorium. The event was held at the Phanto Zone of the Terai West Forest Division in Ramnagar.
During the ceremony, employment registration certificates were handed to 180 trained male and female nature guides, according to an official release. Congratulating the recipients, the Chief Minister stated, “The certificates are not merely employment documents but a recognition of the youth’s skills, hard work, and commitment to nature conservation.” He highlighted the vital role nature guides play in generating local employment and supporting the vision of a self-reliant Uttarakhand.
Dhami expressed satisfaction that many certified guides had returned to their villages through reverse migration, noting that this trend reflects individual success as well as increased confidence, prosperity, and employment opportunities in rural Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister described the Phanto Zone as an exemplary model of eco-tourism and community-based tourism, attracting tourists from across India and abroad with its rich biodiversity, dense forests, serene environment, and diverse wildlife. He added, “The destination is rapidly gaining recognition for tiger sightings, while the tree houses developed in the area are offering visitors a unique experience amidst nature, generating revenue for the state and creating economic opportunities for local communities.”
He emphasized the government’s priority to align environmental conservation with the prosperity of communities living in and around forest areas. He explained that eco-tourism is fostering employment and self-employment among local youth, women, homestay operators, small business owners, transport operators, local product manufacturers, and rural families.
Marking five years since his government took office, Dhami outlined the state’s achievements in development, governance, employment generation, and public welfare. He stated that initiatives such as eco-tourism and nature guide programs provide dignified livelihoods to local youth within their own villages. Describing himself as the state’s “Chief Servant,” he said, “My continuous effort has been to ensure that young people find employment within Uttarakhand, remain in their villages, live with their families, and contribute to the state’s development.”
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhami said the state government is expanding tourism beyond conventional travel by linking it with employment creation, self-employment, local economic growth, and reverse migration. New opportunities are emerging through homestays, winter tourism, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, destination weddings, and spiritual tourism. He noted these efforts have resulted in a 44 per cent increase in reverse migration, suggesting Uttarakhand’s villages are evolving into centers of opportunity rather than merely places of memory.
He stressed that creating employment opportunities in villages will help curb migration, stimulate tourism, strengthen local businesses, and advance the vision of an Atmanirbhar Uttarakhand.
Highlighting the importance of nature guides, the Chief Minister said their responsibilities go beyond accompanying tourists through forests. He described them as “ambassadors of Uttarakhand’s identity, guardians of its forests, partners in wildlife conservation, and representatives of the state’s culture, traditions, and the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava.” He stated, “Nature guides not only introduce visitors to wildlife but also inspire them to respect and protect nature, while raising awareness that forests and wildlife are invaluable assets for future generations.”
Dhami called upon all nature guides and the people of Uttarakhand to reinforce their commitment to protecting forests and wildlife, promoting environmental awareness, enriching rural communities, and connecting local youth with sustainable employment. He concluded that the government’s aim to make Uttarakhand the leading and self-reliant state in the country through public participation and tourism will be achieved through collective effort.
Comments are closed.