Champawat: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday laid the foundation stone for two major flood protection projects worth ₹65.95 crore at Boomghat in Champawat district. The projects include the construction of a river embankment along the Sharda River from Boom to Tanakpur at a cost of ₹60.21 crore, and a flood protection wall on the Huddi River in Chhinigoth village of Purnagiri tehsil costing ₹5.74 crore.
Before the foundation ceremony, the Chief Minister inspected the ongoing flood protection works along the Sharda River and instructed officials to ensure high-quality construction and timely completion. He received a traditional welcome with a ceremonial tilak, Kumaoni cap, flower petals, and a Chholiya dance performance.
Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami said that the Sharda embankment is not merely an infrastructure project but a strong foundation for the safety of future generations and the region’s overall development. He emphasized that the Sharda River is the livelihood of millions of people and that the government remains committed to making border areas safer and more prosperous.
He said that under the ₹3,300-crore Sharda Corridor Project, a riverfront along with the development of religious and tourist destinations from Tanakpur to Banbasa is being undertaken. Work is also progressing on a Women’s Sports College, a modern Science Centre, an Agriculture College, and several initiatives aimed at increasing farmers’ income.
The Chief Minister said that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Development along with Heritage,” projects such as the Manaskhand Temple Garland Mission, Maa Purnagiri Dham, Sharda Corridor, Goljyu Corridor, and Maa Varahi Dham are being developed to promote religious tourism and generate local employment.
During the programme, CM Dhami also visited stalls set up by various government departments under the Seva Pakhwada initiative. He reviewed schemes related to agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, women and child development, healthcare, social welfare, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), directing officials to ensure that eligible citizens receive the benefits.
At a women’s self-help group stall, the Chief Minister joined local women in preparing traditional roti and chutney. He also distributed nutrition kits to five beneficiaries under the Nikshay Scheme at a health camp and interacted with representatives of social organizations, ex-servicemen, farmers, traders, and public representatives to gather suggestions for regional development.
He said these projects would not only strengthen flood protection in Champawat but also create new opportunities for economic development and employment.
