Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held detailed discussions on the state’s comprehensive and sustainable development with a NITI Aayog delegation led by Prof. (Dr.) M. Srinivas at the Chief Minister’s residence on Wednesday. The meeting focused on healthcare, women and child development, livelihood promotion, water conservation, and policy formulation suited to Uttarakhand’s geographical conditions.
The Chief Minister said NITI Aayog has consistently extended valuable support to Uttarakhand and expressed confidence that it would continue guiding the state according to its evolving needs. He noted that policy planning for a mountainous tourism- and pilgrimage-based state like Uttarakhand must consider not only the permanent population but also the large floating population that visits annually.
He stated that the number of visitors to Uttarakhand each year is around seven to eight times the state’s resident population, placing additional pressure on healthcare, drinking water, sanitation, transport, and other public services.
Emphasizing stronger healthcare services and health education, the Chief Minister stressed that public awareness is as important as quality medical facilities. He described the health of women and children as fundamental to the state’s development and called for a coordinated strategy to combat malnutrition and anaemia.
He also suggested organizing regular seminars and consultations with subject experts in agriculture, horticulture, tourism, water resources, biodiversity, skill development, and other sectors in collaboration with NITI Aayog to formulate practical and innovative policies.
Highlighting water conservation as a pressing priority, he advocated long-term rainwater harvesting plans and stressed better policy planning and coordinated efforts to create local employment, enhance livelihoods, and ensure sustainable economic growth.
