Submarine for Tehri reservoir to boost tourism in Uttarakhand

The state of Uttrakhand draws a large number of tourists due to its popular hill stations like Mussoorie and Nainital as well as sacred shrines like Kedarnath and Badrinath. Now, the newly elected government is all set to give a further thrust to tourism by introducing a new activity- a submarine ride to the submerged Tehri town. Tehri was an old, but a significant town that gradually got submerged under water due to the construction of the Tehri Dam. Inhabitants of the town were safely evacuated and shifted to  New Tehri. The old town of Tehri even now exists under water with all its landmarks in tact. Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj is exploring the possibility of an underwater ride that will offer a unique thrilling experience and will increase the flow of tourists, especially foreigners. According to the minister, the department is planning to deploy small submarines for underwater tourism at Tehri Lake. Maharaj said that buildings and structures like Clock Tower, Purana Darbar, Naya Darbar, Swami Ram Teerath Ashram, Main market area, Pakoriwali Gali of the submerged town could become major tourist attractions. They will take the visitors back in time to experience the struggle and sacrifice the town had made. He added that submarine rides are very popular all over the world. In India, underwater tourism is limited only to coastal states and islands.