Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun/Almora, 28 Aug: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today virtually inaugurated the Maa Nanda Devi Mela-2025 in Almora and extended greetings to the people of Almora and the entire state on this occasion. In his address, he remarked that the festival is not merely a religious occasion but a vibrant expression of local faith, cultural heritage, and collective identity. He emphasised that the event serves as a platform for economic, cultural, and social empowerment. He reminded that preparations have already begun for the grand celebration of the Maa Nanda Rajjat Yatra in 2026, which is held once every twelve years.
The CM claimed that his government would spare no effort in making the upcoming yatra divine and spectacular. He asserted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is presently witnessing the ‘Amrit Kaal’, a renaissance of India’s glorious cultural legacy. He noted that the preservation of religious heritage under the Prime Minister’s guidance is unprecedented and that the Uttarakhand government is working with resolve towards holistic development, reconstruction of sacred sites, and safeguarding the state’s unique identity.
He reminded that under the Manaskhand Parvat Mala Mission, efforts are underway to restore and beautify ancient temples in the Kumaon region. As part of this initiative, the Jageshwar temple complex is being developed with a master plan that retains its original architectural essence. In the first phase, the government has sanctioned Rs 146 crore, and approvals for the second phase have also been granted.
Dhami further shared that a new building is being constructed for the base hospital, and a 50-bed facility is being developed in the initial phase of the 100-bed sub-district hospital in Someshwar. Additionally, a state-of-the-art 50-bed Critical Care Block is being established for patients with serious ailments, while the Almora Women’s Hospital is being upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crores.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 248 kilometres of roads have been constructed in Almora district over the past three years. Several motorways have also been built and renovated under the Public Works Department, involving expenditure of several crores. A road connecting Almora, Pauri Garhwal, and Rudraprayag has been completed at a cost of approximately Rs 400 crore, and the widening of the Almora-Bageshwar road has been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 922 crores.
Dhami stated that, to boost tourism and facilitate travel, helicopter services have been launched in Almora under the ‘Udaan Yojana’. A lift pumping scheme worth over Rs 12 crores sis underway in Sadi Mahar village, and parking facilities are being developed at more than 25 locations across the district. The administrative building for Soban Singh Jeena University is also under construction, and plans are in motion to build a helipad near Dol Ashram in Chaukhutia. In pursuit of a ‘Drug-Free Uttarakhand’, a de-addiction centre has been established in Almora, he reminded.
The CM claimed that the government is implementing several important projects to curb migration from the hills and strengthen the local economy and tourism. Through the ‘One District, Two Products’ scheme, local livelihood opportunities have been promoted, while the ‘House of Himalayas’ brand has brought widespread recognition to regional products. He added that initiatives such as the ‘State Millet Mission’, ‘Farm Machinery Bank’, ‘Apple Mission’, ‘New Tourism Policy’, ‘New Film Policy’, ‘Home Stay’, and ‘Wed in Uttarakhand’ are empowering local producers and entrepreneurs. By embracing the Prime Minister’s mantra of ‘Swadeshi Apnao, Desh Ko Mazboot Banao’, the state aims to fortify the national economy and foster self-reliance among artisans and small businesses.
Dhami further stated that approximately 250 illegal madrasas have been sealed and more than 500 unauthorised structures removed. The government has introduced a strict land law to prevent land mafia from usurping farmers’ land and announced the abolition of the Madrasa Board. From 1 July 2026, madrasas not following the government board curriculum will be closed.
The CM also declared that the historic Maa Nanda Devi temple will be reconstructed and beautified in the traditional hill architectural style. A ‘Nanda Devi Handicraft Village’ will be established in Dinapani with support from various organisations. He said that this village will promote products crafted by local women entrepreneurs under the ‘Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahana Utsav Yojana’, including copperware, Aipan art, woodcraft, and other traditional handicrafts, which will be linked to both domestic and international markets.
