Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Seeks Development Support from PM Modi
Meeting with Prime Minister Modi
In New Delhi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami engaged with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss various developmental initiatives for Uttarakhand. He expressed his appreciation for the Central Government's ongoing support and emphasized that under Modi's leadership, the state is poised to contribute significantly to the vision of a Developed India by 2047.
Gifts and Local Products
During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the pride felt by Indians as 27 nations have honored the Prime Minister with their highest civilian awards. He presented Modi with a replica of the Kartik Swami Temple, a coffee table book on the Adi Kailash Yatra, and various local products from Uttarakhand, including ghee from Kanar, red rice from Purola, Basmati rice, black cumin, Gandhrayan herb, Jambu herb, and local honey.
Infrastructure Development Requests
Dhami urged the Prime Minister to instruct relevant departments to enhance infrastructure in the Haridwar Ganga Corridor, Rishikesh Ganga Corridor, and Sharda Corridor in Champawat, similar to the master plans for Kedarnath and Badrinath, funded through CSR initiatives.
Future Projects and Initiatives
The Chief Minister proposed several initiatives, including transforming Nepa Farm in Udham Singh Nagar into a semiconductor hub, extending the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Delhi to Haridwar, and incorporating route construction in the Tanakpur-Bageshwar and Rishikesh-Uttarkashi rail projects.
Upcoming Events and Financial Support
He informed Modi about the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra scheduled for 2026, emphasizing the need for environmentally sustainable infrastructure for its success. Dhami invited the Prime Minister to this significant Himalayan pilgrimage and requested ₹400 crore in financial assistance from the Centre.
Preparations for Mahakumbh 2027
Regarding the Mahakumbh set for Haridwar in 2027, the Chief Minister noted that preparations are already underway. He outlined the necessity for various improvements, including bridge repairs, parking, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and transportation for devotees, and requested ₹3,500 crore from the Central Government.
Power System Enhancements
Dhami also sought approval for a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth ₹1,015 crore under the RDSS scheme to underground high-tension and low-tension power lines and automate the power system in Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Heritage Restoration and Water Projects
He mentioned efforts to restore the heritage site Chaurasi Kutiya near Rishikesh and requested the National Board for Wildlife's approval for funding. Additionally, he presented a preliminary proposal for the Pindar-Kosi link project to connect glacier-fed rivers with rain-fed rivers, which would benefit around 2 lakh people in the region.
Hydropower Development
The Chief Minister also called for the development of five hydropower projects with a total capacity of 596 MW, based on recommendations from a committee led by the Cabinet Secretary.
Prime Minister's Assurance
Prime Minister Modi inquired about various initiatives, including the Char Dham Yatra and the Jal Jeevan Mission, and assured Dhami of the Central Government's full support for Uttarakhand's development.