Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday inaugurated the historic Jauljibi Fair in the border region of Pithoragarh district by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the confluence of the Kali and Gori rivers.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented development projects worth ₹102.72 crore for the district, covering infrastructure, drinking water, flood protection, road connectivity, education, tourism and other essential facilities.
The announcements included the foundation stones of 24 development projects worth ₹102.48 crore and the inauguration of one project costing ₹24 lakh. Dhami also announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for organising the historic Jauljibi Fair.
Jauljibi Fair Symbolises India-Nepal Cultural and Trade Relations
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the historic Jauljibi Fair represents the shared cultural heritage, mutual harmony and longstanding trade relations between India and Nepal.
He said the fair has connected people from both countries socially and culturally for centuries. It also holds a special place in the history of trade and cultural exchanges between India, Nepal and Tibet.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the fair plays an important role in preserving the rich traditions and folk culture of the border region while strengthening friendly relations among people of the two neighbouring countries.
He added that such traditional events are not limited to commercial activities but also promote cultural unity, social harmony and historical ties.
CM Dhami Highlights Personal Connection with Jauljibi Fair
Dhami said he has had a special attachment to the Jauljibi Fair since childhood and has closely experienced the region’s rich culture, traditions and local customs.
He noted that such events help preserve cultural identity and connect younger generations with their roots.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of fairs in promoting folk artists, local products and traditional businesses. He said these events provide opportunities for local communities to showcase their cultural heritage and strengthen their economic activities.
Border Area Development Remains Government Priority
The Chief Minister said the development of border areas remains a key priority for the Uttarakhand government.
He stated that continuous efforts are being made to improve roads, drinking water supply, education, healthcare, tourism and other basic infrastructure in remote and border regions.
According to Dhami, these areas have significant potential for adventure tourism and nature-based tourism because of their natural beauty and rich cultural traditions. Such opportunities can create employment and self-employment avenues for local youth.
He added that the government’s objective is to ensure better facilities for people living in remote regions while generating new livelihood opportunities within their local communities.
PM Narendra Modi’s Vision for Uttarakhand’s Development
Dhami said Uttarakhand’s land carries the invaluable legacy of the sacrifices, hard work and struggles of its ancestors. Preserving this heritage while ensuring comprehensive development is a collective responsibility.
He said the state government is working continuously under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve the overall development of Uttarakhand.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of the third decade of the 21st century as Uttarakhand’s decade, Dhami said the government is committed to translating this vision into reality through development projects and the preservation of the state’s cultural heritage.
Major Development Projects Worth ₹102.72 Crore in Pithoragarh
The development projects announced during the event include several major infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening connectivity, drinking water supply and flood protection in Pithoragarh district.
Some of the key projects for which foundation stones were laid include:
- New State Guest House (Circuit House): Construction of a new state guest house in Pithoragarh at a cost of ₹23.26 crore.
- Ghat Pumping Drinking Water Scheme: Works related to the drinking water scheme with an estimated cost of ₹13.38 crore.
- Flood Protection Scheme: Flood protection works in the Khotila and Ghatdhar areas at a cost of ₹36.10 crore.
- Ramganga River Motor Bridge: Construction of a motor bridge over the Ramganga River at an estimated cost of ₹8.80 crore.
Apart from these projects, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for several schemes related to roads, drinking water, education, tourism, irrigation and other basic infrastructure facilities.
He also inaugurated works related to a connecting road and a Himalayan Darshan shelter in Kanalichhina development block.
Development Projects to Boost Connectivity and Local Economy
The Chief Minister said the projects would strengthen basic infrastructure in Pithoragarh and accelerate development in border and rural areas.
He highlighted that improvements in road connectivity, drinking water supply, disaster protection and tourism infrastructure would directly benefit local residents.
These initiatives are also expected to support economic activities and create additional self-employment opportunities in the region.
CM Dhami Inspects Development Exhibitions at Jauljibi Fair
During the event, the Chief Minister inspected development exhibitions and stalls set up by various government departments. He received information about departmental activities, development initiatives and locally produced goods.
The fair also witnessed participation from traders from India and Nepal, along with traditional cultural performances showcasing the region’s shared heritage.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta also addressed the gathering.
Several public representatives and officials attended the event, including District Panchayat President Jitendra Prasad, Didihat MLA Bishan Singh Chufal, Dharchula MLA Harish Dhami, Pithoragarh Mayor Kalpana Devalal, Bhanupratap Singh Pal, District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Bhatgain and Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde.
Local representatives, government officials, cultural performers and citizens from India and Nepal were also present in large numbers.
The inauguration of the Jauljibi Fair and the announcement of development projects underline the Uttarakhand government’s focus on preserving the cultural identity of border regions while improving infrastructure, connectivity and livelihood opportunities.
Read also: Uttarakhand CM Dhami Approves Rs 353.93 Lakh for Road Construction and Infrastructure Projects
