India, Nov. 19 -- Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday directed officials to fast-track a detailed roadmap for establishing a Spiritual Economic Zone (SEZ) in each of the state's two divisions, Garhwal and Kumaon.

Chairing a high-level meeting at his residence, Dhami said the proposed SEZs would focus on preserving the state's religious, cultural and natural heritage while ensuring the holistic development of major pilgrimage sites and their surrounding areas. "The project would open up new avenues of employment and self-employment for local youth and give a considerable boost to the state's economy. The departments must begin work on the plan within the current fiscal year," he said.

According to officials, the z...