Delhi : Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami met PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday and congratulated him for his third term as a prime minister. CM Dhami also presented a replica of Mahasu temple to PM Modi. Dhami also urged Prime Minister Modi to facilitate approvals for ongoing forest land transfers for development works in the state.
Discussed various development issues of the state
The Chief Minister informed PM Modi about various issues related to the development of the state. The Chief Minister communicated to the PM hydroelectric projects, which are necessary for the state’s socio-economic growth, are important for increasing the state’s gross domestic product (GDP). To meet the state’s electric energy requirements, Uttarakhand has to purchase energy worth about 1000 crores from the open market every year and this puts an additional burden on the financial resources of the state. He requested the PM that the final report of Expert Committee-2, constituted on the directions of the Supreme Court, regarding the 24 hydroelectric projects proposed in Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and tributary rivers should be reviewed by the Jal Shakti and the Power ministries.
Transfer of forest land for compensatory tree plantation
CM Dhami has also urged the Prime Minister to consider the unique geographical conditions of Uttarakhand. The state faces challenges in identifying suitable land for compensatory plantation during road construction projects. According to the prevailing Forest Conservation and Development Rules and the 2023 Guidelines, compensatory plantation is limited to non-forest land. However, there’s an exception: in forest land recorded by the Revenue Department (not under Forest Department control), compensatory plantation can occur on twice the forest land area.
Availability of land for development works of the state is not sufficient
CM Dhami also said that Uttarakhand, with its 67% forest cover, faces challenges in securing land for development projects. Given its strategic location near the international border, approvals for road construction and other infrastructure from various government institutions (such as NHAI, BRO, ITBP, Railways, and the Army) are delayed due to limited availability of non-forest land under the Forest Conservation and Development Act of 2023. In response, Chief Minister Dhami has urged Prime Minister Shri Modi to facilitate approvals for ongoing forest land transfers, while maintaining compliance with the 2017 rules for non-forestry projects undertaken by government entities.
Transfer of land from BHEL Haridwar to facilitate industrial development
The state seeks approval for establishing a Multi-Modal Logistics Park, aimed at boosting investment within Uttarakhand. The CM also requested the transfer of land from BHEL Haridwar to facilitate industrial development in the state. Additionally, the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster in Khurpiya is currently under construction on 1002 acres of land, with equal contributions from the Government of India and the State Government. The land provided by the State Government is valued at Rs 410 crore, and all necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been obtained. The Chief Minister seeks the Prime Minister’s approval for this project
Request for assistance of one thousand crore for Manaskhand
The Chief Minister also informed the Prime Minister that out of the 48 mythological temples identified under the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, infrastructure development work has started in 16 temples. The Chief Minister also requested the Prime Minister to provide assistance of one thousand crore for making these temple routes two lanes and mutual connectivity.
Sadhana Kendra, Eco Trail, Resource Center, Heritage Village, and adventure activities in Gunji
Chief Minister has informed the Prime Minister about several significant development initiatives in Uttarakhand. An action plan is underway to develop the famous Purnagiri Dham in the Kumaon region through the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission. The Manaskhand Mala Mission is also preparing a master plan for the renowned Kainchi Dham in the same region. Moreover, the border village of Gunji, located in Pithoragarh, is being transformed into an international tourist destination. It will be developed around the theme of ‘Shiv Nagari’ and divided into six components: art, culture, skill, knowledge, meditation, and science. Under Swadesh Darshan Yojana-2.0, in the first phase, this initiative aims to develop Sadhana Kendra, Eco Trail, Resource Center, Heritage Village, and adventure activities in Gunji. Additionally, the state government has conducted a survey to provide helicopter services for Gunji, Adi Kailash, and Om Parvat.
Approval of three tunnel projects proposed in Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister requested Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to get the Dehradun-Mussoorie rail line project approved by the Railway Ministry for the expansion of rail services in Uttarakhand. He also requested the Prime Minister for administrative and financial approval of the proposed Jyoali Kang-Vedang 5 km, Sipu-Tola 22 km and Milam- Lapthal 30 km tunnel projects in Uttarakhand.
