Uttarakhand Eyes Geothermal Hot Springs as New Tourist Draw, Starting With Madkot
Uttarakhand's Tourism Department is planning to develop geothermal hot springs as tourist attractions, starting with a bathing pool and accommodation at Madkot in Pithoragarh.
Current Summary
Uttarakhand is exploring ways to turn its natural geothermal springs into tourist attractions, with plans for bathing pools and accommodation near selected sites. The Tourism Department is preparing to launch a pilot project at Madkot in Pithoragarh district, where visitors could bathe in water from a nearby geothermal spring. Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said the springs could offer relief to pilgrims and visitors tired from mountain journeys, comparing the idea to the Tapt Kund near the Badrinath shrine. A study by scientists at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in Dehradun has identified 40 active geothermal springs in the state, with institute scientist Dr Sameer Kumar Tiwari saying more may remain undocumented. The Kumaon region has a notable concentration of these hot-water sources. If the Madkot project succeeds, officials say similar facilities may be considered at other locations, complementing separate efforts to harness geothermal sources for power generation.
What We Know
- The Tourism Department is preparing to launch a geothermal bathing pool and accommodation project at Madkot in Pithoragarh district.
- Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj said the springs could offer pilgrims and visitors relief after long mountain journeys, comparing the concept to the Tapt Kund near Badrinath.
- A Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology study has identified 40 active geothermal springs in Uttarakhand, with a notable concentration in the Kumaon region.
- If the Madkot project succeeds, officials say similar facilities may be developed at other sites.
What Is Still Unclear
- Timeline and budget for the Madkot project.
- Which additional sites might be considered if the pilot succeeds.
- How the tourism plan will coordinate with separate efforts to harness geothermal sources for power generation.
What Changed
- 9 Oct, 05:51 pmSignal detected: Uttarakhand Eyes Geothermal Hot Springs as New Tourist Draw, Starting With Madkot
Background
The initiative is intended to complement separate efforts to harness the state's hot-water sources for power generation.