Srinagar (Pauri Garhwal): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for nine development projects worth approximately ₹9.13 crore in Pauri Garhwal district. The programmes were organised at K.K. Shriyंत्र Tapu in Srinagar, where the Chief Minister received a warm welcome from a large gathering of women, senior citizens and young people.
During his visit, CM Dhami launched the long-awaited city bus service in Srinagar after nearly nine years. He also inaugurated an electric vehicle (EV) charging station and distributed financial assistance to women self-help groups under the ‘Sashakt Bahna, Sashakt Uttarakhand’ programme.
The Chief Minister also distributed health and hygiene kits to women and 51 Paryavaran Mitras (environment workers), highlighting the state government’s focus on women’s empowerment, public welfare and sustainable urban development.
CM Dhami Distributes Financial Assistance to Women Self-Help Groups
Under the ‘Sashakt Bahna, Sashakt Uttarakhand’ initiative, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami distributed financial assistance to women associated with self-help groups to strengthen their livelihoods and promote economic empowerment.
During the programme, he handed over a cheque of ₹2,01,530 to women self-help groups. He also distributed health and hygiene kits to women and 51 Paryavaran Mitras.
The initiative aims to encourage women-led groups, improve their livelihood opportunities and strengthen their financial independence.
Read also: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Approves ₹36.63 Crore for Roads, Water Supply and Other Projects
Srinagar Gets City Bus Service After Nine Years
Addressing a long-standing demand of Srinagar residents, CM Dhami inaugurated the city’s bus service after a gap of nearly nine years.
The Chief Minister flagged off a city bus filled with municipal councillors, formally marking the beginning of the service. The initiative is expected to improve local public transportation and provide greater convenience to residents.
CM Inaugurates EV Charging Station in Srinagar
The Chief Minister also inaugurated an electric vehicle charging station established in Srinagar.
The facility is expected to encourage the use of electric vehicles and promote environmentally friendly transportation in the city. The initiative is part of efforts to support clean mobility and sustainable urban development.
Several Urban Development Projects Inaugurated in Srinagar
During the programme, CM Dhami inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development works in the Srinagar Municipal Corporation area.
The projects include:
- Solid waste management and disposal facilities.
- Late Ranjit Singh Bhandari Vatika, a rainwater harvesting park.
- Construction of roads and drains.
- Laxminarayan Park.
- Beautification of existing parks.
- Other civic infrastructure and public convenience facilities.
These projects are expected to improve the city’s sanitation system, strengthen environmental conservation and enhance basic civic amenities for residents.
CM Dhami Highlights Development Initiatives in Uttarakhand
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that development projects worth more than ₹9 crore had been inaugurated and launched in Srinagar to accelerate the region’s growth.He stated that these initiatives would play an important role in expanding basic infrastructure, strengthening public facilities and giving a new direction to local development.
The Chief Minister also said that the state government was continuously working towards development, good governance and prosperity. He highlighted the ongoing development activities worth crores of rupees in Pauri district and said that the increasing number of pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra was directly benefiting local residents.
Char Dham Connected Through All-Weather Roads
CM Dhami highlighted the development initiatives being undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi through coordinated efforts of the Central and state governments.
He said that all four Char Dham shrines had been connected through all-weather roads, with Srinagar serving as an important centre in the region. He also highlighted the progress of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project, stating that construction was progressing rapidly. The railway line will have a station in Srinagar, enabling local residents to benefit directly from improved rail connectivity.
CM Dhami Pays Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
During his address, the Chief Minister also remembered the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, describing him as the architect of national integration.
He said that Patel had united more than 560 princely states and laid the foundation for a united India. His vision was to build a strong nation where national unity, integrity and sovereignty remained paramount and national interest was every citizen’s foremost responsibility.
CM Dhami Interacts with Students During Srinagar Visit
An interaction with students was another highlight of the Chief Minister’s visit.
Near the college gate, CM Dhami noticed a group of students and stepped out of his vehicle, moving beyond the usual protocol to meet them personally. He interacted with the children, enquired about their well-being and spent time speaking with them.
The students appeared excited to meet the Chief Minister and welcomed the opportunity to interact with him.
Ministers and Officials Present at the Programme
Several state ministers, public representatives and senior administrative officials attended the programme.
Those present included Cabinet Ministers Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat and Satpal Maharaj, MLA Bharat Chaudhary, Srinagar Mayor Aarti Bhandari, District Panchayat President Rachna Butola, District Magistrate Swati S. Bhadauria, Chief Development Officer Ashok Joshi, Sub-Divisional Magistrate and other officials.
The programme highlighted the Uttarakhand government’s efforts to strengthen urban infrastructure, improve public transportation, promote environmental sustainability and support women’s economic empowerment.
