Govt expanding facilities at major temples in Kedarkhand & Manaskhand: CM

Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the State government is working to expand facilities at major temples in Kedarkhand and Manaskhand. He said this after inaugurating the 50th Siddhpeeth Shri Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Mela in Narendranagar on Sunday by hoisting the flag. He observed cultural tableaux, inaugurated the development exhibition and inspected departmental stalls. Dhami also paid tribute to martyrs at the martyrs’ site.

The CM said that this Mela is a symbol of folk faith, cultural heritage and glorious traditions. Such events connect the new generation with culture and promote trade and tourism. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cultural and religious heritage is being promoted. The development work at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Kedarnath-Badrinath Dham are examples of this.

Dhami said that stopping migration and providing local employment to youth is the government’s priority. Through “One District, Two Products” and “House of Himalayas,” local products are finding markets both domestically and internationally. Sales of the “House of Himalayas” brand have exceeded Rs six crore. Initiatives such as the State Millet Mission, Apple Mission, Farm Machinery Bank, Homestays, Tourism and Film Policy and “Wed in Uttarakhand” are promoting self-employment. He stated that the State has seen a 44 per cent increase in reverse migration.

The CM stated that more than 13,000 acres of government land has been freed from encroachment. Citing Operation Kalanemi and the crackdown on illegal madrasas, he said that transparent recruitment processes have provided government service appointments to more than 35,000 youth.

Referring to development projects in Tehri, the CM said that a ring road and tourist routes are being developed around Tehri Lake. Water sports, adventure tourism and homestays are being promoted in the lake area, leading to increased employment. He also said the upgrading of the government polytechnic in Narendranagar, construction of a Kendriya Vidyalaya, a law college, an auditorium, upgrading of Gaja hospital and a sewer line project worth approximately Rs 50 crore.

Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal, congratulating the Mela organisers on its golden jubilee, thanked the CM for various development works, including the upgradation of the polytechnic, creation of budget and posts for the law college and the sewer line.

Notably, this State-level Mela, running from October 11 to 19, will feature cultural programmes along with sports and school-level competitions.