(Delhi, NTI): Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi today, marking his inaugural formal engagement since assuming the Chief Ministerial office. During this pivotal meeting, CM Dhami articulated an array of state-centric projects to PM Modi. Additionally, the Prime Minister broached the subject of the devastating forest conflagrations in Uttarakhand, inclusive of the Char Dham Yatra calamities. PM Modi emphasized the imperative of providing succor and reassurance to those beleaguered by the inferno, affirming the unwavering support from both state and central administrations. Furthermore, he underscored the necessity for adequate medical interventions for the injured. In a gesture of reverence, CM Dhami presented a photograph of the Mahasu temple to the PM. Historically, CM Dhami had previously bestowed images of Kainchi Dham upon PM Modi. This time, the picture of the Lord Mahasu Temple, situated in Jaunsar Babar, Chakrata, Dehradun, was gifted. Following this presentation, it is anticipated that the state government may initiate developmental blueprints for this temple, akin to those for Kainchi Dham, a region long-awaiting progress. The BJP, amidst Congress’s predominance in the area, is eager to fortify its foothold.
In their dialogue, CM Dhami highlighted several critical concerns: He implored PM Modi to deliberate with the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Power on the terminal report of the Expert Committee-2, established per the Supreme Court’s directives concerning the proposed 24 hydropower projects along the Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, and their tributaries. CM Dhami also appealed to PM Modi to address the challenges in identifying suitable land for compensatory afforestation, essential for the seamless execution of road construction projects by the Indian government and its agencies in Uttarakhand. The current Forest Conservation and Improvement Rules and Guidelines of 2023 mandate that compensatory plantations must be executed on equivalent non-forest land, complicating the process due to the limited availability of such land within the state’s unique geographical constraints.
Uttarakhand, with its strategic significance and 67 percent forest cover, faces substantial land availability challenges for developmental initiatives. CM Dhami elaborated that the forest land required for infrastructural projects by entities like NHAI, BRO, ITBP, Railways, and the Army is scarce, hindering timely project execution due to the stipulations of the Forest Conservation and Development Act, 2023.
On the subject of Bhil land, CM Dhami petitioned the PM for the transfer of land from BHEL Haridwar to the state for establishing a Multi-Model Logistics Park and promoting industrial growth. He informed the PM about the collaborative efforts of the central and state governments in constructing the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster at Khurpia, spanning 1002 acres with an investment of Rs 410 crore from the state. He also sought PM Modi’s endorsement for the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster at Khurpia.
In the context of PM Modi’s engagements with Chief Ministers, infrastructure development under the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission has commenced in 16 out of the 48 designated ancient temples. CM Dhami requested PM Modi’s assistance for Rs 1,000 crore to facilitate the dual-laning of these temple routes and enhance their connectivity. Discussions included formulating an action plan for the Sharda Corridor to advance Purnagiri Dham in Kumaon. A master plan for Kainchi Dham’s development is also underway. Furthermore, there are ambitious plans to transform the border village of Gunji (Adi Kailash area) in Pithoragarh into an international tourist haven, segmented into themes of art, culture, skill, knowledge, meditation, science, and relaxation under the “Shiv Nagri” concept. Initial phases propose the establishment of Sadhana Kendra, Eco Trail, Resource Centre, Heritage Village development, and adventure activities under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme-2.0. A state-conducted survey supports providing heli services to Om Parvat, including Gunji and Adi Kailash.
