CM inaugurates Purnagiri Fair in Tanakpur
Garhwal Post Bureau
Tanakpur (Champawat), 27 Feb: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today inaugurated the historic Maa Purnagiri Fair 2025 at Tanakpur in Champawat district, one of North India’s most renowned religious gatherings. On the occasion, the CM announced a series of infrastructure and development works aimed at strengthening facilities in the fair area and adjoining regions.
The announcements include construction of a link road from Selagarh to Kotkendri; beautification of Kaliguth–Purnagiri and various fair sites; construction of a motor road from Tamli via Rupaligadh to Seem; construction of a grand entrance gate in the Maa Purnagiri fair area; improvement of the motor road from Manch–Lethi–Vamangon–Tarkuli–Awda–Seem–Chooka; development of the internal areas of Maa Purnagiri; and construction of a rest road and culverts. On this occasion, he also directed the district administration to ensure that all the announcements made on the occasion are implemented promptly and without delay.
Describing Uttarakhand as the abode of the gods, Dhami asserted that divinity permeates every particle of the State’s sacred land. He offered prayers at Maa Purnagiri for the prosperity of the state and expressed a resolve to operate the fair throughout the year. He stated that a target has been set to equip Purnagiri Dham with permanent structures. He added that in the coming years the site will assume a more grand and well-organised form, ensuring improved facilities for devotees.
He claimed that the Government is making sustained efforts for the development of Maa Purnagiri Dham and that it will be developed as a major spiritual and tourism centre in the near future. Emphasising that Champawat is enriched with culture, faith and natural beauty, he said the Government’s goal is to empower the district with strong basic infrastructure.
Referring to ongoing development schemes in the district, the CM stated that Tanakpur Bus Station is being developed as an interstate bus terminal at a cost of more than Rs 240 crore, which will significantly improve transport facilities. Under the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, prominent temples in Kumaon are being beautified and access roads widened to provide greater convenience to pilgrims. He added that special efforts would be made to strengthen communication facilities in the Purnagiri area to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for visitors. Work on the ropeway project at Maa Purnagiri Dham is also in progress, which will make travel easier for pilgrims.
The CM further stated that all major religious and tourist destinations around Purnagiri Dham will be linked under a special tourism circuit. The objective of this initiative is not only to make the journey to Maa Purnagiri Dham more convenient but also to give a new dimension to tourism across Champawat district.
He said that the tourism circuit would attract devotees and tourists throughout the year, helping to establish Champawat as a leading centre for religious as well as adventure tourism. The project, he said, aligns with the goal of operating the Maa Purnagiri Fair for all twelve months and will provide a boost to the local economy.
Dhami added that the work is underway to develop and position the entire Champawat district as a leading region in every sphere. Numerous initiatives are being undertaken in connectivity and education. A campus of Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, has been established in Champawat with an IT laboratory and a women’s hostel. At the district headquarters, a Science Centre is being constructed at a cost of Rs 55 crore, which will in future serve as a major medium to inspire students and children in the fields of knowledge, science, technology and innovation, while giving new direction to their lives.
The CM further shared that work on a Women’s Sports College at Lohaghat is in progress at a cost of Rs 237 crores, while a new building of the Polytechnic College has been completed at a cost of Rs 16 crores. To strengthen healthcare services in the district, a 50-bed Critical Care Block has been constructed at the District Hospital at a cost of Rs 20 crores. The building of an Integrated Nursing Institute has also been completed at a cost of Rs 28 crores. Along with strengthening infrastructure, the Government is implementing firm policies and decisions to promote tourism and expand employment opportunities.
Dhami added that rafting has gained a new identity in Tanakpur following competitions held during the 38th National Games, with a large number of visitors from India and abroad arriving for the sport. The Tanakpur region is emerging as a centre of faith as well as adventure activities. An amount of Rs 5 crores has been sanctioned for the development of Shyamlatal Lake and that efforts are underway to promote the area as a wedding destination. He stated that the Government is continuously working with the objective of making the district a frontrunner in every respect.
Union Minister of State and Almora MP Ajay Tamta said that owing to the policies and decisions of the Central and State Governments, Uttarakhand is counted among the leading States of the country. Among those present on the occasion included Chairperson, District Panchayat Champawat, Anand Singh Adhikari; Vice-Chairperson Pushpa Vishwakarma; MLA Representative, Tanakpur, Deepak Rajwar; MLA Representative, Champawat, Prakash Tiwari; BJP District President Govind Samant; President, Purnagiri Temple Committee, Kishan Tiwari; Vice-President Bhuvan Pandey; District Panchayat Member Saraswati Chand; Chairperson, Municipal Council Tanakpur, Vipin Kumar; District Magistrate, Champawat, Manish Kumar and SP Champawat Rekha Yadav.
