Uttrakhand Chamoli district administration has ramped up efforts to promote Benital in Karnaprayag block as an ’Astro-village’, according to officials. Positioned at an altitude of 2,600 metres above sea level, Benital will offer visitors an easy and close view of stars, planets, and astronomical events, once it becomes an Astro-village equipped with large telescopes and a night-vision dome, the officials mentioned. Cottages, pathways, tent platform, restaurant with a reception, and two parking lots are also being built in Benital by the Tourism department for visitors as part of the project, District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana said.

The department has estimated a total expense of Rs 5 crore for the project and submitted a report to the administration. It has entrusted the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam with the responsibility of developing Benital as an Astro-village, the DM said. A preliminary clearance for the transfer of forest land for the project has already been secured, he added.

Soon repairing of the road will start from Simli to Benital and putting up signage along the route to attract more and more tourists to the place. ”Benital already has the potential to attract tourists due to its picturesque location. Once it becomes an Astro-village, it can generate self-employment opportunities for locals due to increased tourist activities,” he said.