Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 9th Jaunpur Festival and Sports-Cultural Programme at Thatyur in the Dhanaulti Assembly constituency of Tehri Garhwal district on Thursday. On the occasion, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 26 development projects worth ₹52.55 crore.
Of these, 11 projects worth ₹30.50 crore were inaugurated, while the foundation stones were laid for 15 projects worth ₹22.05 crore. The projects cover road construction and improvement, education, irrigation, parking, animal husbandry and other basic infrastructure facilities.
The Chief Minister also announced several development initiatives for the region, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare and public safety.
Jaunpur Festival to Promote Uttarakhand’s Culture and Sports
Extending his greetings to the people on the occasion of the Jaunpur Festival, Dhami said such events play an important role in preserving and promoting the state’s rich folk culture, traditions, art forms and music.
He said cultural festivals provide the younger generation with an opportunity to connect with their heritage, while sports competitions encourage young people to showcase their talent and pursue sporting careers.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Jaunpur Festival Committee in organising the event.
Referring to the initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said campaigns such as Khelo India and Fit India have given a new direction to India’s sporting culture. He added that young athletes from Uttarakhand are performing well in various competitions and bringing recognition to the state.
The state government is continuously working to encourage sporting talent and provide better opportunities to young athletes.
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₹1,300 Crore Plan to Develop Tehri as a Major Tourism Destination
Dhami said the state government is committed to developing Tehri and its surrounding areas as major tourism destinations.
Work is underway to develop a special tourism zone around Tehri Lake and nearby areas at an estimated cost of around ₹1,300 crore. A ring road is also being constructed around the lake to expand tourism activities and generate new employment opportunities for local residents.
The government is promoting adventure tourism and water sports at Tehri Lake, including kayaking, canoeing and paragliding.
The Chief Minister also highlighted several infrastructure projects undertaken to improve road connectivity and tourist facilities in the region.
Road Safety and Parking Infrastructure Projects in Tehri
The Chief Minister said permanent safety treatment work costing around ₹6 crore has been completed on the Kempty-Chadogi motor road to address landslide-related problems.
In addition, the conversion and blacktopping work on the Kempty-Chadogi light motor vehicle road has been completed at a cost of more than ₹10 crore.
To improve facilities for tourists, a vehicle parking facility costing over ₹8 crore is being constructed at Kaddukhal.
Government Promoting Local Products and Self-Employment
Dhami said preventing migration from hilly areas remains one of the key priorities of the state government. To achieve this, the government is promoting tourism, agriculture, horticulture, local products and self-employment opportunities.
Initiatives such as One District, Two Products and the House of Himalayas brand are helping Uttarakhand’s local products reach national and international markets.
He informed that the House of Himalayas brand has recorded sales of more than ₹6 crore since its launch. According to the Chief Minister, this reflects the hard work of women, farmers and local producers, as well as the quality of their products.
The government is also promoting livelihood opportunities through initiatives such as:
- State Millet Mission
- Farm Machinery Banks
- Apple Mission
- New Tourism Policy
- Homestay Scheme
- Wed in Uttarakhand initiative
The Chief Minister said these initiatives are creating new opportunities for local livelihoods. He also stated that reverse migration in the state has increased by 44%, reflecting efforts to strengthen employment and self-employment opportunities in rural areas.
Over 35,000 Government Jobs Provided to Youth
The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to securing the future of young people.
He highlighted the implementation of a strict anti-copying law to ensure transparency in recruitment examinations and said more than 35,000 young people have been provided government jobs in the state.
The government is also working to create better opportunities for youth through education, skill development and self-employment programmes.
Focus on Infrastructure and Cultural Heritage
Dhami said the government is focusing on expanding road connectivity, electricity, drinking water, education and healthcare facilities across Uttarakhand.
Alongside development, special attention is being given to protecting the state’s religious and cultural heritage. Redevelopment and beautification work is underway at major temples under the Kedar Khand and Manas Khand projects.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing Uttarakhand into the best state in the country while preserving its traditions and cultural identity.
CM Announces New Development Projects for Dhanaulti and Jaunpur
During the programme, the Chief Minister made several important announcements for the region, including:
- Approval for the construction of the Dhanaulti-Moriyana-Nagtibba motor road.
- Approval of ₹273 lakh for a flood protection scheme covering populated areas between Paligad and Thatyur Market in Jaunpur development block.
- Approval of ₹4.72 crore for flood protection work in the populated area of Bhawan Market.
- Upgradation of Thatyur Community Health Centre into a Sub-District Hospital.
Dhami also said that demands related to the construction and blacktopping of various roads in the region would be considered and included among the development announcements.
Progressive Farmer and Writer Honoured at Jaunpur Festival
During the event, the Chief Minister appreciated the agricultural and horticultural innovations of progressive farmer Kabool Chand Pundir from Gram Sabha Sabli.
He praised Pundir’s efforts to promote self-employment through apple cultivation under the Apple Mission, along with farming of ginger, kiwi, saffron, flowers, potatoes and rosemary.
The Chief Minister also honoured writer Devendra Prasad Chamoli, a resident of Gram Sabha Papra, with the ‘Jaunpur Ratna’ award. He was recognised for his contribution to literature and the preservation of local languages through translations of important works such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata into the Garhwali language.
On the occasion, Jaunpur Festival Committee President Virendra Rana presented an appreciation letter to the Chief Minister, while programme chairman Surendra Rawat presented a memento.
Local Representatives Welcome Development Initiatives
Local MLA Pritam Singh Panwar thanked the Chief Minister for various development projects and approved works in the region.
He said Jaunpur has significant potential in agriculture, horticulture and tourism. Improving facilities in these sectors would create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local residents.
Block Pramukh Sita Panwar also thanked the Chief Minister for the development work being undertaken in the region and highlighted various local requirements.
Several dignitaries attended the programme, including Minister of State Geeta Rawat, BJP District President Uday Rawat, former MLA Mahavir Rangar, Mussoorie Municipal Chairperson Meera Saklani and former chairperson Manmohan Mall.
Local public representatives, office-bearers of the Jaunpur Festival Committee, officials from various departments and a large number of residents were also present.
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