Harsil, March 6 -- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Thursday that the State has launched Winter Yatra to support the livelihoods of those dependent on the Char Dham Yatra, which closes in winter.

Addressing a public rally here today, chief minister Dhami expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who joined the initiative, marking a pivotal moment in the State's efforts to sustain tourism year-round.

"Char Dham Yatra is an important base of the economy of Uttarakhand. Lakhs of people associated with this Yatra receive employment opportunities, from hoteliers to taxi drivers and from local shopkeepers to trip organisers. During winter, when the portals of the four dhams close, these people's business gets a...