By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 14 May: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan chaired a meeting at the Secretariat here today to review the Haridwar Corridor, the Rishikesh Master Plan, and the Sharda Corridor projects. The Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB) presented a detailed status report on these projects.
Bardhan directed the officials to prioritise projects under the Haridwar Corridor, ensuring urgent initiatives begin without delay. He emphasised the religious significance of Haridwar, urging that development work must preserve the original form of sites associated with faith. He also instructed continuous communication with stakeholders and called for a comprehensive plan detailing budgets, implementing agencies, and maintenance strategies for all Haridwar Corridor projects.
The CS further directed the expansion of Brahmakund and Mahila Ghat and stressed maintaining the historical theme of Sati Kund in its redevelopment. He instructed that the multi-level parking in Haridwar must not obstruct views of the river and urged swift action on projects where detailed project reports (DPRs) have already been prepared.
Regarding the Sharda Riverfront Development, Bardhan stressed on completing work through relevant departments and suggested integrating eco-tourism into forest land. He also directed UIIDB to incorporate priority projects proposed by District Magistrate, Champawat, into the Sharda Corridor plan and recommended helipad and heliport provisions for tourism circuit development.
In discussions on the Rishikesh Master Plan, Bardhan instructed the officials to develop a mobility strategy, including proposed works around the old railway station. He also called for a hydrology survey for the revival of the Chandrabhaga River.
Emphasising the urgency of these projects, Bardhan directed the officials to begin essential work immediately, stressing the importance of Haridwar Corridor, Sharda Riverfront Development, and Rishikesh Master Plan for the state’s progress.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary R Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretaries Nitesh Kumar Jha, Sachin Kurve, Pankaj Kumar Pandey, V Shanmugam, Chief Forest Conservator PK Patro, and senior officials from various departments.
