Haldwani: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that advancing Uttarakhand while maintaining a balance between development and the environment is the government’s priority. Given the vulnerability of the Himalayan regions, a scientific assessment of their carrying capacity is being conducted. Special attention is also being given to the scientific monitoring and survey of glaciers and glacial lakes.
On Friday, the Chief Minister inaugurated the ‘Jagran Vimarch-Uttarakhand: Hopes and Challenges’ program organized by Dainik Jagran in Haldwani by lighting the ceremonial lamp. He shared his thoughts on the state’s growth trajectory, achievements, potential, and future challenges.
The Chief Minister noted that the state’s budget has grown from around ₹4,000 crore at the time of its formation to approximately ₹1.11 lakh crore today. The state has made progress in various sectors, including roads, health, education, tourism, energy, agriculture, and horticulture. Uttarakhand is also emerging as a major hub for tourism and filmmaking. Over the past few years, the number of homestays has increased by about 50 percent, while per capita income has recorded a growth of around 41 percent. Uttarakhand and Kerala jointly secured the top position in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2023–24.
The Chief Minister highlighted that local products are gaining markets and a new identity through the ‘House of Himalayas’ brand. To financially empower Self-Help Groups (SHGs), interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh are being provided. Women are being encouraged toward self-employment and entrepreneurship through training, financial support, and market access.
He emphasized that providing transparent employment to the youth is a top priority for the government. A strict anti-copying law has been implemented to curb irregularities in recruitment exams. Over the past few years, nearly 35,000 youth have been appointed to government services. Young people are also being encouraged to advance in self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Referring to preparations for the Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027, the Chief Minister stated that arrangements are being crafted based on suggestions from the seer community, Akharas, religious organizations, and other stakeholders. The government aims to ensure better facilities for devotees arriving from India and abroad, executing the Kumbh in a safe and well-organized manner.
The Chief Minister added that unplanned development and climate change pose major challenges for Uttarakhand. Environment and economy must complement each other moving forward. Scientific assessments of the carrying capacity of Himalayan regions are underway, alongside monitoring and surveys of glaciers and glacial lakes.
He asserted that the benefits of development must reach the last person in society. Furthermore, preserving Uttarakhand’s culture, identity, and the distinctiveness of Devbhoomi remains a crucial part of the development process.
The event was attended by Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, MP Ajay Bhatt, MLAs Banshidhar Bhagat, Suresh Gadiya, Shiv Arora, and Pratap Bisht, Haldwani-Kathgodam Mayor Gajraj Singh Bisht, Kashipur Mayor Deepak Bali, Dainik Jagran Editor Vijay Singh Yadav, Executive Editor Vishnu Tripathi, State Editor Manoj Jha, Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, Kumaon Inspector General of Police Nivedita Kukreti, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, and Senior Superintendent of Police Manjunath TC, among others.
