Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun/New Delhi, 9 Dec: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called on Union Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi today and held comprehensive discussions with him, aimed at strengthening Uttarakhand’s agricultural framework, accelerating rural development, and rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the recent natural calamity. During the meeting, the Union Ministry of Rural Development sanctioned Rs 1,700 crores for the construction of 184 rural roads spanning a total of 1,228 kilometres in the state, an important approval secured through the CM’s efforts.
In this regard, the CM held detailed talks with the Union Minister concerning the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Dhami reminded Chouhan that the recent natural disaster had caused severe damage to 946 roads and 15 bridges across Uttarakhand, estimating reconstruction costs at approximately Rs 650 crores. He emphasised the challenge posed by such extensive damage in a hill state with limited resources and appealed for special support from the Centre to ensure swift restoration of the affected infrastructure. Additionally, Dhami requested funds for repairing around 5,900 houses damaged in the disaster.
Focusing on agriculture and crop protection, the CM underlined ongoing measures to enhance the state’s agricultural sector under the PM’s direction. Noting that nearly 90 per cent of Uttarakhand’s farmers are small and marginal, the CM drew attention of the Union Minister to the serious challenge of crop damage caused by wild animals. He expressed gratitude to the Central Government for including fencing work under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)-DPR scheme and pressed for a dedicated budget to support crop protection and increase agricultural production.
Dhami proposed an annual budget allocation of Rs 200 crores over the next five years for this purpose. The Union Minister assured prompt release of advance funds to commence extensive fencing work. The CM also sought the early disbursal of Rs 98 crores sanctioned for the Swachhata Action Plan on Namami Gange Clean Campaign under the PM-RKVY scheme for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The Union Minister responded positively to Dhami’s proposals, assuring that Uttarakhand’s needs would be prioritised by the Central Government and pledged full support to the state.
Among those present in the meeting included by MP and BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt, Union Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Devesh Chaturvedi, Chief Executive Officer of PMGSY Alok Kumar Pandey, Resident Commissioner of Uttarakhand Ajay Mishra, and other senior officials.
