In this two-part investigative series, Dheeraj Mishra and Aiswarya Raj examine how Uttarakhand's push for adventure and aviation tourism became intertwined with the interests of a politically connected corporate network. The first part investigates the awarding of a flagship adventure tourism project through a tender process in which all three bidders were allegedly linked to the same promoter, despite explicit anti-collusion provisions. The investigation reveals how Rajas Aerosports and Adventures Pvt Ltd secured the contract and traces the subsequent consolidation of ownership by Acharya Balkrishna, co-founder of Patanjali and close aide of Baba Ramdev, who significantly increased his stake in the company after the award. The reportage also documents instances of alleged official favouritism, including state authorities facilitating regulatory clearances on behalf of the company. The second part explores the company's entry into aviation tourism and analyses the economic implications of the project in a state heavily dependent on connectivity-driven tourism. It highlights how public land in Mussoorie, renovated through funding from the Asian Development Bank, was transferred to a private entity, resulting in substantial revenue losses to the state exchequer. Through meticulous documentation, analysis of corporate and government records, and persistent reporting, the investigation exposes how public assets in a fragile, disaster-prone hill state were repurposed to serve private interests, raising critical questions about transparency, governance, and accountability.
Read the Story →Aiswarya Raj is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently covering Uttarakhand. She began her career at the organisation as a sub-editor with the Delhi city team before moving into field reporting, covering Gurugram and its neighbouring districts as a city reporter. She currently serves as Resident Correspondent based in Dehradun.
An alumna of the Asian College of Journalism and the University of Kerala, Aiswarya has built a strong body of work focused on governance, public policy, and accountability. Over the years, she has undertaken several investigations using the Right to Information Act, examining issues related to law enforcement, government policy, and procurement practices in Uttarakhand.
Known for her meticulous reporting and commitment to public interest journalism, Aiswarya's work seeks to uncover systemic issues while amplifying concerns that affect ordinary citizens. Her reporting demonstrates the enduring importance of fact-based, accountable, and ethical journalism in strengthening democratic institutions.
Recognising journalism that reflects integrity, courage, empathy and truth.