CM announces Rs 96.71 crore development projects for Nainital
Garhwal Post Bureau
Nainital, 5 Jun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today announced several development projects and works worth Rs 96.71 crores for Nainital district. These included the inauguration of six projects costing Rs 67 crores and the foundation stone laying of seven projects worth Rs 29.71 crores.
On this occasion, the CM also made several announcements for the development of Bhimtal area. These included the construction of a multipurpose building for soldiers and traders in Bhimtal, inclusion of Bhimeshwar temple and Okhalkanda Pashupatinath temple in the Mandir Mala Mission, linking of the jeep track from Odakhann in Ramgarh block to Mukteshwar motor road, early operationalisation of Ramgarh sub‑tehsil and formation of a high‑level committee to resolve issues related to the authority in the area.
Extending his greetings on World Environment Day to the people of the state, Dhami said that the beautiful lakes, greenery, mountain ranges and natural splendour of Nainital region not only provide joy but also remind one that nature and environment are both the present and the future of the people. He emphasised that protecting and preserving them is everyone’s responsibility. He added that the day is not only for planting trees or holding formal programmes but also for self‑reflection, asking what kind of earth and environment we wish to leave for future generations. He stressed that the choice lies between handing over clean rivers, lush forests and pure air or a polluted and crisis‑ridden environment to the future generations.
The CM said that the environment of Uttarakhand is a vital question for all, as it is not only an identity but also the foundation of culture, faith and life. He reminded that Uttarakhand is the origin of the Ganga and Yamuna, with the Himalayas standing as guardians of civilisation, and that Indian culture has for thousands of years revered nature and taught coexistence with it.
Dhami observed that while the world now speaks of environmental protection, it has been part of Indian culture for centuries, where rivers were called mothers, trees were considered Deities, mountains were revered and nature was seen as the basis of life. He described climate change as a major challenge, no longer confined to scientific debates alone but a reality of daily life, with changing weather, rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, drying water sources, melting glaciers and increasing natural disasters serving as constant warnings. He pointed out that climate change is affecting water sources, agriculture, biodiversity and tourism, which is the backbone of the state’s economy, making environmental protection crucial.
The CM said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India has shown the world that development and environment are not contradictory. With the mantra of “nature as well as progress”, India is moving forward. Through Mission LIFE, the Prime Minister has conveyed that environmental protection is not only the responsibility of governments but also of citizens, and small changes in daily life by millions of people can lead to major transformations. He added that the campaign “One Tree in Mother’s Name” is not merely a government programme but an emotional people’s movement.
Dhami also appealed to every family in the state to plant a sapling in the name of their mother and nurture it into a tree. He recalled that when the world was talking about forest protection, the women of Uttarakhand created history through the Chipko movement, led by Gaura Devi and others, who demonstrated that no force is greater than people’s power in protecting nature. He said that the same spirit needs to be revived today to make environmental protection a mass movement.
He claimed that the government is undertaking significant work in water conservation, rejuvenation of water sources, river protection, afforestation, wildlife conservation and green energy. Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to implement the concept of Gross Environmental Product, reflecting a progressive vision that values forests, water and biodiversity as much as economic growth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring both development and environmental protection. He urged people to cooperate in preventing forest fires, stating that a small spark can destroy thousands of trees and endanger countless lives, and immediate reporting of such incidents can save forests and wildlife.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaira welcomed the CM and expressed gratitude, highlighting various ongoing schemes and welfare policies in Bhimtal constituency. Earlier, the CM also offered prayers at Hanuman temple in Ramleela ground for the prosperity of the state.
Among those present were District Panchayat Chairperson Deepa Darmwal, MLA Sarita Arya, Minister of State Anil Kapoor Dabbou, Dhruv Rautela, Bhimtal Municipal Chairperson Seema Tamta, Kumaon Commissioner and Chief Minister’s Secretary Deepak Rawat, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, Kumaon University Vice‑Chancellor Diwan Singh Rawat, CDO Arvind Kumar Pandey, along with local representatives and a large number of citizens.
