Tehri: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday described the river Ganga as the eternal centre of Sanatan faith and said that the upcoming Rishikesh–Haridwar Corridor, along with a strong focus on sports and tourism, will play a transformative role in the state’s development.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the first Sports and Cultural Festival organised by the Cultural Development Committee at Chham in Tehri Garhwal, the Chief Minister paid homage to the sacred land of Lord Nagraja and underlined the importance of preserving folk culture and traditions. He said such events help connect the younger generation with Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage.
Focus on Cultural Revival and Sanatan Heritage
CM Dhami said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is witnessing a cultural renaissance. He cited landmark projects such as the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Corridor and the grand redevelopment of Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham. He added that the Uttarakhand government is also working on ambitious projects, including the Rishikesh–Haridwar Corridor, which will be a major spiritual and cultural gift to Sanatan traditions.
Uttarakhand as a Sports and Tourism Hub
Emphasising the vision of developing Uttarakhand as a “sports land,” the Chief Minister said sports academies are being set up to provide high-quality training to young athletes. He highlighted efforts to promote Tehri Lake on the international tourism map through trekking, paragliding and other adventure sports competitions. The construction of a ring road around the lake, he said, will also generate employment opportunities for local residents.
Reverse Migration, Employment and Sustainable Growth
CM Dhami said the state government is working continuously to promote reverse migration, self-employment, homestays, self-help groups, the Lakhpati Didi scheme and the AYUSH wellness sector. He noted that Uttarakhand has secured the first position in NITI Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) ranking and reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining this position.
Strong Governance and Zero Tolerance on Corruption
The Chief Minister said the state has implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. He informed that more than 10,000 cases of illegal encroachment on government land have been removed and over 6,000 illegal constructions demolished. Under anti-riot laws, damages will be recovered from those involved in violence, he said, adding that the government will not compromise on the unity, integrity and cultural values of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
Commitment in Ankita Bhandari Case
Reaffirming the government’s stand in the Ankita Bhandari case, CM Dhami said the state has always stood with the victim’s family. He said an SIT conducted a detailed investigation for nearly two-and-a-half years, leading to life imprisonment for the accused. The government, he added, continues to respect the family’s sentiments and will extend full support at every level.
Local MLAs Pritam Singh Panwar and Kishor Upadhyay praised the Chief Minister’s leadership, stating that several historic decisions, including the UCC and anti-cheating laws, have been taken during his tenure.
Several public representatives and local leaders, including block officials and BJP functionaries, were present at the programme.
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