o ensure that tourists who flock to Uttarakhand have a pleasant and peaceful stay, the state government will develop 12 destinations in the state as noise-free zones.

While making the announcement at his Beejapur guest house on Sunday, CM Harish Rawat said, "I have directed the state tourism department to identify 12 such places within stipulated time. In the first phase, two tourist destinations will be developed into noise-free zones."

Rawat made the announcement after he returned from meeting with Union finance minister Arun Jaitley at Nainital Raj Bhavan.

State chief secretary Shatrughana Singh will chalk out modalities with senior officials in the state tourism department. Talking to TOI, Singh said, "The exact locations of these places will be finalised after survey of various spots by officials. Destinations like Chopta, Berinag, Binsar and Ranikhet and Dhanaulti could make it to the list."

Elaborating on what steps would be taken to ensure no noise in these areas, Singh said that the details are yet to be finalised but the government has a few measures in mind. "The nearby hotels and resorts could be asked to not hold loud parties. To eliminate traffic noise, parking facilities can be provided to vehicles a few distance away from the areas and tourists can be asked to walk to reach their destination. We will look into the feasibility of these plans."