What is Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The primary goal of the mission is to enhance infrastructure around temples and religious sites. This includes improving roads, providing better accommodation facilities, and ensuring clean and hygienic surroundings. For example, the mission aims to widen roads leading to remote temples, making them accessible to more pilgrims.
- 2.
Another key aspect is promoting sustainable tourism practices. This involves encouraging eco-friendly transportation, waste management, and responsible behavior among tourists. For instance, promoting the use of electric vehicles in the region to reduce pollution.
- 3.
The mission focuses on preserving the cultural heritage of the Kumaon region. This includes restoring ancient temples, promoting local arts and crafts, and showcasing the region's unique traditions. For example, organizing cultural festivals and events to highlight the local heritage.
- 4.
The initiative aims to generate employment opportunities for local communities. This involves training local youth in tourism-related skills, such as hospitality, tour guiding, and handicraft production. For instance, setting up training centers to provide skills development programs.
- 5.
The mission includes developing integrated tourism circuits. This involves connecting various temples and religious sites through well-planned routes, providing a seamless and enriching pilgrimage experience. For example, creating a circuit that includes the famous Naina Devi Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, and Jageshwar Dham.
- 6.
A significant part of the mission is to improve connectivity. This includes upgrading existing roads, constructing new roads, and enhancing public transportation facilities. For instance, introducing more frequent bus services to remote areas.
- 7.
The mission also focuses on promoting winter tourism. This involves developing winter sports facilities, organizing winter festivals, and showcasing the region's scenic beauty during the winter months. For example, promoting skiing and snowboarding in the higher reaches of Kumaon.
- 8.
The initiative emphasizes community participation. This involves engaging local communities in the planning and implementation of tourism projects, ensuring that they benefit from the economic opportunities generated. For instance, involving local communities in managing homestays and guesthouses.
- 9.
The mission includes the development of amenities such as restrooms, drinking water facilities, and information centers at key locations. This ensures that pilgrims and tourists have access to basic necessities during their visit. For example, constructing clean and well-maintained restrooms along pilgrimage routes.
- 10.
The mission aims to create awareness about the Kumaon region's rich cultural and religious heritage. This involves promoting the region through various media channels, organizing promotional events, and publishing informative materials. For example, creating a website and social media pages to showcase the region's attractions.
- 11.
The Uttarakhand government is also focusing on developing sustainable mountain trails in regions like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, which aligns with the mission's goals of promoting eco-tourism and nature-based travel.
- 12.
The mission supports the broader vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by enhancing tourism, which in turn generates employment and boosts the local economy, contributing to the overall development of the region and the nation.
Visual Insights
Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission: Key Aspects
Mind map illustrating the key components and objectives of the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, including infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and cultural preservation.
Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission
- ●Infrastructure Development
- ●Tourism Promotion
- ●Cultural Preservation
- ●Employment Generation
Recent Developments
8 developmentsIn 2023, the Uttarakhand government allocated significant funds for infrastructure development under the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, focusing on improving road connectivity to remote temples.
In 2024, several new tourism circuits were identified and developed as part of the mission, connecting previously isolated religious sites.
In 2025, the mission saw an increase in tourist footfall, attributed to improved infrastructure and promotional activities.
In 2026, the state government partnered with local communities to promote homestay options and generate employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
The Uttarakhand government is also focusing on enhancing connectivity and infrastructure as part of the broader 'Viksit Bharat' vision, which directly supports the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission.
Recent budgets have emphasized the importance of medical and heritage tourism, aligning with the mission's goals of promoting cultural and religious sites.
The development of sustainable mountain trails in Uttarakhand, as highlighted in recent announcements, complements the mission's focus on eco-tourism and responsible travel.
The Union Budget 2026-27 emphasized the development of tourism corridors, which will further support the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission by improving connectivity and infrastructure in the region.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
61. How does the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission differ from the Char Dham Yatra in terms of geographical scope and focus, and why is this distinction important for the UPSC exam?
While both promote religious tourism in Uttarakhand, the Char Dham Yatra focuses on four specific shrines (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath) across the Garhwal region. The Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission concentrates on the Kumaon region, aiming to develop a broader network of temples and cultural sites. This distinction is crucial for UPSC as questions may test your knowledge of regional specifics and the government's targeted approach to tourism development in different areas. Knowing that Manaskhand is Kumaon-focused is key.
Exam Tip
Remember: 'Manas' relates to Kumaon's ancient name, helping you associate the mission with that specific region.
2. What are some potential negative environmental consequences of the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, and how does the mission attempt to mitigate these?
Increased tourism can lead to deforestation, waste accumulation, and water pollution. The mission attempts to mitigate these by promoting sustainable tourism practices, such as encouraging eco-friendly transportation (electric vehicles), implementing waste management systems, and involving local communities in conservation efforts. However, the effectiveness of these measures is often debated, and UPSC might ask about the challenges in balancing development with environmental protection in ecologically sensitive zones.
Exam Tip
When discussing environmental impact, always consider both the intended positive actions AND the potential loopholes or practical limitations.
3. The Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission aims to boost the local economy. However, what are some potential downsides or unintended consequences for local communities, and how can these be addressed?
While boosting the economy, the mission could lead to increased prices for goods and services, making them unaffordable for some locals. It could also displace traditional occupations and create a dependence on tourism, which is vulnerable to external factors. To address these, the mission should focus on diversifying the local economy, providing skill development in multiple sectors, and ensuring fair pricing mechanisms that protect local consumers. Community participation in decision-making is also crucial.
Exam Tip
Consider the socio-economic impact on vulnerable populations when evaluating any development project.
4. In an MCQ, what's a common trap regarding the funding of the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission?
A common trap is assuming the mission is solely funded by the central government under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. While the Swadesh Darshan Scheme provides a framework, the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission is primarily a state government initiative with its own budgetary allocations. MCQs often present options that incorrectly attribute the entire funding to the central government. The correct answer will acknowledge the state government's significant financial contribution.
Exam Tip
Pay close attention to the wording of MCQ options regarding funding sources; look for language that acknowledges both central and state involvement.
5. How does the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission align with the broader 'Viksit Bharat' vision, and what specific infrastructure developments exemplify this alignment?
The Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission aligns with the 'Viksit Bharat' vision by focusing on enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and tourism, all of which contribute to economic growth and regional development. Specific examples include upgrading roads to remote temples, improving public transportation, and developing digital infrastructure to promote tourism. These developments aim to improve the quality of life for residents and enhance the experience for tourists, aligning with the goals of 'Viksit Bharat'.
Exam Tip
When linking a specific scheme to a broader vision like 'Viksit Bharat', always highlight the tangible infrastructure improvements and their impact on economic and social development.
6. What are the strongest arguments critics make against the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, and how would you, as a civil servant, respond to these concerns in a balanced manner?
Critics argue that the mission could lead to the commercialization of religious sites, environmental degradation, and displacement of local communities. As a civil servant, I would acknowledge these concerns and emphasize the importance of sustainable tourism practices, environmental protection measures, and community participation in decision-making. I would also highlight the potential economic benefits for local communities and the preservation of cultural heritage. A balanced approach would involve addressing the concerns while maximizing the positive impacts of the mission.