India, March 6 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pitched for round the year tourism in Uttarakhand, asserting that steps should be taken to ensure that there was no off-season for tourism in the hill state.

"Tourism in the hills is currently seasonal, with a significant influx of visitors during March, April, May, and June, but the number of tourists drops drastically afterward, leaving most hotels, resorts, and homestays vacant in winter. This imbalance leads to economic stagnation and poses environmental challenges for the state," he said at an event to promote winter tourism in Uttarkashi district.

PM Modi said a "360-degree approach to tourism" would create employment opportunities for the local youth throughout the year a...