Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the Jaunsar-Bawar Folk Cultural Festival and Sports Event 2026 at Freedom Fighter Kedar Singh Stadium in Nagthat, Dehradun, on Monday. During the event, he announced several key development initiatives related to roads, drinking water, education, and connectivity aimed at accelerating regional development.
The Chief Minister began the program by paying floral tribute to the statue of freedom fighter Late Kedar Singh. He said that the folk culture, traditions, and social unity of Jaunsar-Bawar are integral parts of Uttarakhand’s rich heritage and continue to connect younger generations with their roots.
Major Announcements
CM Dhami announced:
- Widening and blacktopping of the Samarjens Motor Road.
- Development of Nagthat Primary School as a model school.
- Construction of a 60-meter-span bridge over the Yamuna River.
- Construction of several new motor roads.
- Launch of a pumping-based drinking water scheme.
- Development of a new link road from Dweena to Bisoi Khuna Alman.
He praised the Jaunsar-Bawar Cultural Renaissance Committee for preserving local traditions for the past 33 years. He noted that cultural expressions such as Raso, Harul, and Bound are not only treasures of Uttarakhand but also valuable components of India’s cultural heritage.
Focus on Tribal Development
The Chief Minister said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, several historic initiatives have been launched for tribal welfare. Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, 128 tribal villages in Uttarakhand have been selected for improved road, electricity, water, and internet connectivity.
He added that Eklavya Model Residential Schools are operational in Kalsi, Mehrawana, Bajpur, and Khatima, while new schools are under construction in Bajpur and Chakrata. Scholarships are being provided to tribal students from primary to postgraduate levels, along with educational support through 16 Ashram-based schools.
The Chief Minister also highlighted:
- ₹50,000 financial assistance for the marriage of girls from tribal communities.
- A ₹1 crore corpus fund for the Tribal Research Institute.
According to him, out of 56 development projects worth nearly ₹39 crore in the Chakrata region, 51 have already been completed. More than ₹1,300 crore worth of road projects are currently underway across the region.
He further stated that:
- Widening work on National Highways 707 and 707A is progressing rapidly.
- The New Chakrata Township Hayyo Danda Pumping Scheme is being implemented at a cost of approximately ₹229 crore.
- A ₹120 crore master plan is being executed for the development of the Shri Mahasu Devta Temple complex.
