Garhwal Post Bureau
New Delhi, 17 Jun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called on Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today to press for various demands aimed at boosting development and connectivity in the hill state.
During the meeting, the CM requested the defence minister for the merger of the cantonment areas of Ranikhet and Lansdowne with their respective municipal bodies. He emphasised that such a move would significantly contribute to the overall development of tourism and improvement of civic amenities in these cities.
Dhami further appealed to Rajnath Singh to permit the use of military helipads at Dharchula and Joshimath under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), which he asserted would enhance air services in the state’s remote areas. He also sought a waiver of charges levied by the Indian Air Force for disaster relief and rescue operations in Uttarakhand.
Additionally, the CM also requested the Defence Minister that the maintenance of the Gwaldam–Tharali–Dewal–Mundoli–Wan motor road via Nandkesari be continued to be managed by the Public Works Department. He underlined the importance of this route as the principal path for the Nanda Devi Rajjat Yatra, which he reminded is a major religious and cultural pilgrimage held every twelve years, with the next event scheduled for 2026.
During the meeting, Singh assured Dhami of positive consideration and action on all the proposals presented during the meeting.
