Uttarakhand, the scenic north Indian state nestled in the lap of
Himalayas, is wooing investors big time in its quest to become the global Wellness epicenter.
The state government is organising a two-day ‘Wellness Summit’ on April 17,
18 at capital Dehradun to showcase investment opportunities in the sector that
encompasses AYUSH, eco-tourism and hospitality, nutraceuticals, organic and
health food, herbal cosmetics and natural fibers among others.
“We’re looking to build on strengths endowed to us by nature and our deep
rooted traditions in Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation and Naturopathy etc. The
government has created a conducive environment for investors,” said Harak Singh
Rawat, state minister for AYUSH and AYUSH Education, while speaking at a roadshow
event held at Kochi on Wednesday as a precursor to the summit.
While observing that his state got many similarities with Kerala,
another major wellness destination, Rawat urged for higher co-operation among the
industry players. “For instance, we’re much ahead when it comes to herbal
medicinal production while Kerala has many established industries in the
sector. A tie-up will be mutually beneficial,” he noted.
In Uttarakhand, AYUSH and Wellness sector has been given the status of
Industry, which allows investors to enjoy all benefits available to the industrial
sector. Similarly, a single window portal has been set up for investors to ease
paper work and formalities besides availing clearance from various departments
in minimum time.
“Better
health over better treatment is now followed by a large chunk of millennial and
elderly. Organic food has improved lifestyle of the people and this country is
now the cynosure in wellness initiatives. The medicinal value of Himalayan
herbal products are acknowledged by the world as they are seeking ways to
attain a healthy living. They are avoiding modern systems of medicine and
embracing Indian lifestyle methods. Uttarakhand is now aspiring to become global
capital of Yoga,” he said.
Rawat said Uttarakhand
will soon have its own ‘Organic Agriculture Act’. It will result in development
of nearly 10,000 organic clusters in the state. “Ours is the first state to
come up with a policy to allow leasing of agricultural land for 30 years,” he
said.
The various areas identified for investment include AYUSH (township, spiritual
economic zone, global wellness city etc), Healthcare, Aroma, Natural Fibre and
Tourism.
“In the tourism sector, we look for developing 13 new destinations. On a
whole, we’ve identified 800 acres of land for infrastructure development. That
include the proposed Aroma park (41 acre) at Kashipur, Madan Negi Estate, Tehri
(27.89 acre) and Marchula industrial estate (35.83 acre) in Almora,” said Manisha
Panwar, Principal Secretary, Industries.
L Fanai (Director General, Industries), Sonika (Additional Secretary,
Tourism) and Sudhir Chandra Nautiyal (Director,Industries) were also present.
