Seaplane operations to begin at Tehri Lake

Tehri, June 1 

To attract more tourists, a seaplane service will be introduced on the Tehri Lake, besides an array of water sports activities to make the water body a happening adventure spot in the region, said Chief Minister TS Rawat. 

Besides surfing, the 42 sq km Tehri Lake, reservoir of Tehri Dam, currently offers boating facilities by power boats and jet skis, among others. Tehri also offers parasailing, paragliding and hot air balloon rides.

“By the next year, the seaplane will be made operational as we have finalised the plans with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. All necessary arrangements are being undertaken to make the seaplane landing on the lake,” said the Chief Minister. 

Seaplane operations will also be of great help in emergencies such as landslides.

The Centre had allocated Rs 110 crore while the state had given land to develop Tehri as a tourist destination, he added.

Besides, the state government had also allocated Rs 50 crore to make the area more tourist friendly, Tourism Secretary Dilip Jawalkar said, adding that the foreigners coming to Rishikesh could be attracted to the lake once seaplane service was made operational.

The seaplane trials will start with the approval and guidelines of the DGCA and the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Rawat said Uttarakhand had accorded industrial status to tourism to attract private players.

“We will be conducting an investment summit this year with participation from the US, Europe and the Gulf region. We are also offering a single window system to make the state a hassle-free investment zone,” he added.

Situated at 2,500 ft above the sea level, the lake is at present 740 metre deep, which rises to 825 metre during the rainy season. — IANS