Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Advocates for National Plan to Resolve Urban Drainage Challenges

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the pressing issue of drainage problems in urban areas due to rapid urbanisation. He urged for a national-level strategy to tackle this challenge. During the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhami also advocated for the inclusion of lift irrigation in the PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana guidelines.

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Dhami pointed out that only about 10% of Uttarakhand's mountainous regions are currently irrigated due to its unique geographical conditions. Efforts are underway to conserve rainwater by linking glacier-fed rivers with rain-fed ones and building check dams and small reservoirs. This initiative is part of the River Linking Project aimed at improving water management in the state.

Focus on Sustainable Urban Development

The chief minister reiterated the need for a sustainable urban drainage system to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation. He called for a special plan at the national level to develop such a system, which is crucial for managing drainage issues effectively in cities across Uttarakhand.

In 2026, Uttarakhand will host the renowned Maa Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, also known as the Mountain Mahakumbh. The following year, Haridwar will be the venue for the Kumbh Mela. Dhami sought support to ensure these events are successful and divine experiences for all attendees.

Harnessing Demographic Dividend

Dhami emphasised the importance of leveraging India's demographic dividend to build a developed nation. He noted that the next decade is vital for Uttarakhand to maximise this advantage. His government is focusing on promoting self-employment at various levels to harness this potential effectively.

Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India is progressing towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation by 2047. Dhami stated that Uttarakhand is committed to this mission, maintaining strong financial management and fiscal discipline. Over the past three years, the state's economy has grown by approximately 1.5 times.

Tourism and Energy Initiatives

A comprehensive policy has been implemented in Uttarakhand to promote adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and high-end tourism at the grassroots level. The state is focusing on sustainable and inclusive development driven by innovation and technology. Additionally, a geothermal energy policy will soon be introduced to further enhance energy sustainability in Uttarakhand.

Dhami's remarks underscore his administration's commitment to addressing urban challenges while fostering economic growth through tourism and energy initiatives. These efforts aim to create a balanced approach towards development in Uttarakhand.

With inputs from PTI