Garhwal Post Bureau
Gauchar (Chamoli), 14 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today inaugurated the 73rd State Industrial Development and Cultural Fair (Gauchar Mela) and addressed a large public gathering. He described the event as one of Uttarakhand’s most significant fairs and emphasised that Gauchar Mela serves as a vital platform for preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage while simultaneously bolstering the local economy. On this occasion, he also announced an 18-seater heli-service from Gauchar on the lines of a similar service in Pithoragarh.
The CM stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is witnessing a revival of cultural traditions alongside a strong push for indigenous products through initiatives such as ‘Local for Vocal’ and ‘Made in India’.
Dhami mentioned that despite numerous challenges, products crafted by women and mothers in the community are now competing with and even surpassing those of multinational companies. He urged the public to embrace Swadeshi goods, asserting that promoting indigenous products would reinforce the vision of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat). He also noted that Uttarakhand, through the efforts of his government, is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for film shoots and is gaining recognition as a wedding destination.
Announcing a series of development initiatives, the CM declared the launch of an 18-seater heli-service in Gauchar, modelled on the successful Pithoragarh service. He also announced the development of parking facilities at four key locations within the town, and the construction of the Saket Nagar–Raghunath Mandir–Chatwapipal motor road. He shared that funds have already been sanctioned for the construction of a stadium in Gauchar and that work will begin soon.
On this occasion, Dhami also felicitated senior journalist Harish Maikhuri with the Govind Prasad Nautiyal Journalist Award for excellence in journalism, and senior litterateur and educationist Nand Kishore Hatwal with the Pandit Maheshanand Nautiyal Education and Literature Propagation Award for his contributions to the field of education.
Earlier, local MLA Anil Nautiyal and Mela Vice President Sandeep Negi extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister and apprised him of the region’s pressing issues, submitting a formal demand letter seeking their resolution.
The first day of the renowned Gauchar Mela began with the traditional worship of Isht Rawal Devta, followed by a Prabhat Pheri (morning procession) led by schoolchildren. The Mela President hoisted the flag and took the salute during the March Past. A cross-country race was also organised from the main mela gate to the Chatwapipal bridge and back.
Among those present on the occasion were Tharali MLA Bhupal Ram Tamta, Rudraprayag MLA Bharat Chaudhary, Harak Singh Negi, Zila Panchayat President Daulat Singh Bisht, Zila Panchayat Vice President Laxman Khatri, BJP District President Gajpal Bartwal and General Secretary Arun Maithani.
