Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved financial allocations worth approximately ₹81 crore for various development projects across the state, including road construction, drinking water supply, irrigation, religious site development and government residential buildings.
A major portion of the allocation, ₹61.42 crore, has been approved for 18 proposed infrastructure projects related to the preparations for Kumbh Mela 2027 in Haridwar. The projects will be funded under the Government of India’s infrastructure grant.
The Chief Minister has also approved ₹9.94 crore for the construction of 20 km of internal roads in rural areas of Tanakpur and Banbasa in Champawat district. Several other projects have received financial approval in Dehradun, Pithoragarh, Udham Singh Nagar, Almora, Pauri Garhwal and Tehri Garhwal.
In addition to development initiatives, Dhami congratulated Uttarakhand’s State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on receiving ISO 9001:2015 certification. He also interacted with social media influencers, YouTubers, content creators, artists and performers at the ‘Shining Stars of Uttarakhand-2026’ programme.
₹61.42 Crore Approved for 18 Kumbh Mela 2027 Projects
Preparations for Kumbh Mela 2027 in Haridwar have received a significant boost, with the state government approving ₹61.42 crore for 18 proposed infrastructure projects.
The projects fall under the infrastructure grant proposed by the Government of India and are aimed at supporting preparations for the major religious gathering.
Kumbh Mela attracts large numbers of pilgrims and visitors to Haridwar. Infrastructure development is an important part of preparations for managing the event and supporting the needs of devotees.
The latest approval is part of the broader financial package announced for development works across Uttarakhand.
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₹9.94 Crore for 20 Km of Rural Roads in Tanakpur and Banbasa
The government has approved ₹9.94 crore for constructing 20 km of internal roads in rural areas of Tanakpur and Banbasa in Champawat district.
The plan includes 10 km of roads in each area and is intended to improve local connectivity.
In Dehradun district, a 2 km road will be constructed in the Doiwala Assembly constituency, connecting Lal Tappar near the Vaishnavi Temple bridge in Majri Grant to areas around the homes in Gorkha Basti Sagar and adjoining localities. The project has received financial approval of ₹1.37 crore.
Road and Connectivity Projects in Pithoragarh
Several road-related projects have also received approval in Pithoragarh district.
- Bhumidhara to Kumalgaon: ₹74.24 lakh has been approved for paving work and the construction of a culvert in the Didihat Assembly constituency. The first instalment of ₹44.54 lakh has been sanctioned.
- Mazedha Gram Panchayat: Approval has been given for ₹49.85 lakh for a connecting road from Primary School Bhugaon to Naghar, Kumalta and Syusi.
These projects are expected to improve access to rural settlements and strengthen local road infrastructure.
Funds Approved for Temple Development and Religious Tourism
The Uttarakhand government has also approved funds for the improvement and beautification of temples and religious sites across several districts. The projects are intended to improve facilities at places of local religious and cultural importance.
The approved works include:
- Ancient temple in Dam, Udham Singh Nagar: ₹1.62 crore has been approved for strengthening the temple in the Jaspur Assembly constituency.
- Guru Gorakhnath Temple fairground, Pithoragarh: ₹32.53 lakh has been sanctioned for development and beautification.
- Shaktipeeth Bhaunadevi Temple, Almora: Against a previously approved amount of ₹98.79 lakh, ₹50 lakh has now been sanctioned for beautification work in the Salt Assembly constituency.
- Kanvashram, Pauri Garhwal: An additional ₹31.90 lakh has been approved against the previously sanctioned ₹79.74 lakh for installing a statue of Emperor Bharat and carrying out beautification work in the Kotdwar Assembly constituency.
- Temples in Forti, Champawat: Approval has been given for ₹20 lakh each for the beautification of Tyaundar Baba Temple, Bhumiya Baba Temple and Maharudra Temple in the Lohaghat Assembly constituency.
The projects focus on strengthening religious infrastructure and improving facilities at temples and other sites that hold significance for local communities.
₹3.30 Crore for Drinking Water Project in Pauri Garhwal
The state government has approved ₹3.30 crore for the Saneh urban drinking water scheme under the Kotdwar branch in Pauri Garhwal district.
The funds will be used for drilling a tube well and constructing a lifting reservoir in Saneh Malli. The project is aimed at supporting drinking water infrastructure in the area.
₹44.13 Lakh Approved for Irrigation in Pithoragarh
In Pithoragarh Assembly constituency, ₹44.13 lakh has been sanctioned for the construction of a field irrigation channel, locally known as a gool, in Gram Panchayat Tauk Bhaura.
The project is intended to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and support water delivery to agricultural fields.
₹1.21 Crore Approved for Government Residential Buildings in Tehri
The government has approved ₹121.30 lakh, equivalent to ₹1.213 crore, for constructing residential buildings for officers and employees in the Kirtinagar tehsil of the Devprayag Assembly constituency in Tehri Garhwal district.
An initial amount of ₹50 lakh has been sanctioned to begin work on the project.
The approval forms part of the state’s broader investment in public infrastructure and facilities for government personnel.
Dhami Interacts with Influencers at Shining Stars of Uttarakhand 2026
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also interacted with prominent social media influencers, YouTubers, content creators, artists, actors and singers associated with Uttarakhand during the ‘Shining Stars of Uttarakhand-2026’ programme.
The event was held on Saturday at the Mukhyasevak Sadan at the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun.
During the interaction, Dhami highlighted the role of digital platforms and content creators in promoting Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage, folk traditions, cuisine, natural beauty, lesser-known tourist destinations and local products.
He said content creators could help showcase the state’s unique identity to audiences across India and around the world. He also emphasised the potential of young people’s creativity and digital platforms to expand Uttarakhand’s visibility as a tourism and cultural destination.
Uttarakhand SDRF Receives ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the officers and personnel of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) after the force received ISO 9001:2015 certification. Describing the achievement as a matter of pride for the state, Dhami said the certification reflected the force’s efficiency, discipline, dedication and commitment to quality and excellence in disaster management.
He noted that Uttarakhand is vulnerable to natural disasters, making the SDRF’s role particularly important during emergencies.
The force’s personnel carry out rescue and relief operations in challenging conditions, helping save lives and deliver assistance to affected families. Dhami highlighted courage, prompt response and a spirit of service as defining characteristics of the SDRF.
The certification marks an important milestone for the force as it continues to perform disaster response and emergency management duties across the state.
Uttarakhand Development Push Covers Roads, Water, Temples and Disaster Management
The latest approvals cover a range of infrastructure and public service priorities, from preparations for Kumbh Mela 2027 in Haridwar to rural road connectivity, drinking water supply, irrigation facilities, temple development and government housing.
With ₹61.42 crore earmarked for 18 Kumbh-related infrastructure projects and ₹9.94 crore approved for rural roads in Tanakpur and Banbasa, the government has placed particular emphasis on infrastructure and connectivity.
The additional approvals across several districts are aimed at supporting local development, improving essential services and preserving religious and cultural sites. Meanwhile, the SDRF’s ISO 9001:2015 certification highlights the state’s focus on quality standards in disaster response and emergency management.
