Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 9 Nov: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to the people of Uttarakhand on the occasion of the state’s Foundation Day and praised the state’s development journey and achievements over the past 26 years in a message sent to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. In his very detailed message, PM Modi highlighted Uttarakhand’s spiritual and cultural heritage, expansion of infrastructure, development of border areas and accomplishments across various sectors, while appreciating the efforts made by the state government.
The PM reminded that Uttarakhand came into existence as a separate state on 9 November, 2000, due to the vision and determination of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He noted that the Foundation Day serves as an opportunity to salute the indomitable courage, self-respect and commitment to progress of the people of Devbhoomi. He said that the aspirations with which Uttarakhand was created are steadily being realised and that the state is moving continuously towards fulfilling those goals.
Referring to Uttarakhand’s natural beauty and spiritual significance, Modi said that the state, nestled amidst the lofty Himalayas, is a unique confluence of nature and spirituality. The sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna originate from this land, while the traditions of Panch Kedar, Panch Prayag and the Char Dham pilgrimage have made Uttarakhand a major centre of faith in the country. From Kedarnath and Badrinath to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Hemkund Sahib, Jageshwar Dham and Adi Kailash, the state’s revered shrines are deeply connected with the faith and devotion of millions of pilgrims.
Recalling his long association with Uttarakhand, the PM reminded that he had spent considerable time in several parts of the state during his organisational work. He said that his spiritual experiences in the Kedarnath cave, the journey to Adi Kailash, the blessings of Uttarakhand’s bugyals and the affection of its people remain vivid memories. Describing Uttarakhand as a state with the potential to emerge as the spiritual capital of the world, he claimed that the double-engine government is working continuously towards this goal.
Modi said significant progress has been made over the past decade in connectivity and infrastructure under the vision of “Viksit Uttarakhand for Viksit Bharat”. He noted that the Central Government has invested more than Rs 11,000 crores in the nearly 890-km Char Dham All Weather Road project, while work on the approximately 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line is progressing rapidly.
He also described the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway as a transformative project for tourism, trade and industry, adding that it would significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. He also referred to the expansion of Dehradun Airport, operationalisation of Pithoragarh Airport, approval of a new helipad at Banbasa and the widening network of heliports and helipads, which are strengthening air connectivity across the state.
Highlighting the importance of religious and border area development, the PM said that extensive works worth hundreds of crores of rupees have been undertaken for the reconstruction and redevelopment of Kedarnath Dham.
Emphasising the strategic importance of border villages, Modi said these settlements are not merely markers of India’s frontiers but symbols of the nation’s security and strength. Referring to tourism’s contribution to the state’s economy, the PM said that Uttarakhand has witnessed record tourist arrivals and that thousands of homestays have created new sources of income for local families.
The PM also appreciated the state’s efforts in social and economic development. He described the achievement of providing tap water connections to more than 98 per cent of rural households under the Jal Jeevan Mission as significant. He referred to new medical colleges in Haridwar, Pithoragarh, Rudrapur and Almora, as well as improvements in healthcare infrastructure.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, Modi said schemes such as Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Yojana have made the lives of rural women easier and helped them become economically self-reliant.
The Prime Minister mentioned the 1,000 MW Tehri Pumped Storage Plant, being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 8,000 crore, and described ongoing works on the Lakhwar Multipurpose Project, Jamrani Dam Project and Song Dam Drinking Water Scheme as important for the state’s water and energy security.
Praising governance initiatives, he said the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand has set an example for the country. He also appreciated measures such as the anti-copying law, anti-conversion legislation and reforms aimed at ensuring greater transparency in land-related matters.
He referred to Nanda Devi Mela, Uttarayani Mela, Jageshwar Mela, Igas-Bagwal, Chholiya dance and Phool Dei, as well as traditional foods and products such as mandua roti, jhangora kheer, bal mithai and singori, as distinctive symbols of Uttarakhand’s cultural identity.
Expressing confidence in the state’s future, Modi said Uttarakhand would continue to achieve new milestones through the joint efforts of the Central and state governments.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed gratitude to the PM for his message and for appreciating Uttarakhand’s development journey. He said Modi’s special affection and close association with Uttarakhand have always served as a source of inspiration for the people of the state. The CM said that the PM’s guidance and the Centre’s continuous support are opening new avenues of development and that the confidence expressed by him further strengthens the resolve of the state government.
