Uttarakhand CM Dhami Unveils Silver Jubilee Parks and New Projects

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated 'Devbhoomi Silver Jubilee Parks' and multiple development projects in Rishikesh, focusing on urban sanitation, infrastructure, and enhancing public welfare across the state's local bodies.

CM Dhami Launches New Development Projects

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 'Devbhoomi Silver Jubilee Parks' and several development projects during a program held at Chandreshwar Nagar in Rishikesh on Tuesday. The Chief Minister dedicated the Devbhoomi Silver Jubilee Parks, developed across nine urban local bodies in Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Uttarkashi districts, to the public. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for seven development schemes worth over Rs 36 crore in the Dehradun district. On this occasion, the Chief Minister flagged off eight waste collection vehicles to strengthen the sanitation system in urban local bodies.

Extending greetings to the people of the state on State Foundation Day, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the martyrs and activists of the statehood movement. He stated that on the occasion of Uttarakhand's Silver Jubilee, the state government resolved that the memories of the state's formation should not remain confined to ceremonies, but should be visible on the ground through development works. With this objective, the decision was made to develop Devbhoomi Silver Jubilee Parks in urban areas across the state.

Focus on Urban Renewal and Sanitation

The Chief Minister noted that areas once covered in garbage mounds and bushes are now transforming into lush green, well-organised public spaces. These parks will provide better spaces for children to play, senior citizens to walk, women to sit, and youth to practice yoga and exercise. They will also showcase a glimpse of Uttarakhand's culture, folk traditions, and local flora. He called upon the urban local bodies to ensure the maintenance of these parks through public participation.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the state government is striving to extend the benefits of development to every town and ward. Alongside the expansion of basic urban infrastructure, priority is being given to sanitation, environmental conservation, and civic amenities. All 108 urban local bodies in the state have become Open Defecation Free (ODF), while Rishikesh and Haridwar have achieved 'Water Plus' certification. More than 90 per cent of waste in the state's urban areas is undergoing scientific processing, and the remediation of legacy waste has reclaimed approximately 109 acres of land for reuse.

Waste Management and Infrastructure Initiatives

Highlighting waste-to-energy and plastic management initiatives, the Chief Minister said that biogas is being produced from waste in Rudrapur and Mussoorie. Along the Char Dham Yatra routes, over 60,000 kilograms of plastic have been collected back through the Digital Deposit Refund System (DDRS). A comprehensive sanitation action plan worth approximately Rs 1,375 crore has been prepared for 107 urban local bodies in the state, under which 27 Sewage and Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants are being established. Sanitation work is also being mechanised so that sanitation workers (Paryavaran Mitras) do not have to work under unsafe conditions.

Stressing that clean drinking water, sewerage, and robust infrastructure are essential for a better urban life, the Chief Minister noted that 148 out of 151 projects approved under the first phase of the AMRUT scheme have been completed, providing tap water connections to more than 72,000 households. Under AMRUT 2.0, projects worth around Rs 650 crore are underway to supply drinking water to an additional 40,000 households and rejuvenate water bodies and ponds. Furthermore, drinking water, sewerage, and urban infrastructure are being developed at a cost of nearly Rs 874 crore in selected cities across the state, including Rishikesh.

Social Welfare and Digital Governance

The Chief Minister remarked that urban development is truly meaningful only when its benefits reach the last person in society. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), over 62,000 houses have been sanctioned in the state, and pucca houses have already been provided to more than 50,000 families. Thirty-five night shelters (Rain Baseras) are being operated across the state for the needy. Additionally, healthcare services have been provided to over 3 lakh people near their homes through 114 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

Defining good governance as ensuring citizens do not have to make repeated rounds of government offices for minor tasks, the Chief Minister said municipal services are being digitised. Arrangements are being made to provide services such as property tax, mutation, and trade licenses online through the 'UPYOG' platform. In view of the upcoming Kumbh-2027, a digital sanitation monitoring system is being developed in Haridwar to ensure clean and well-managed arrangements for devotees arriving from across the country and the world.

Congratulating the Rudrapur and Kashipur Municipal Corporations on being selected for national awards in Swachh Survekshan 2025-26, the Chief Minister credited the achievement to the collective efforts of Paryavaran Mitras, urban local bodies, and citizens. He urged that cleanliness should not remain merely a government campaign, but become a part of every citizen's lifestyle, noting the vital role of public participation in building clean and beautiful cities.

Youth Employment and Future Vision

Speaking on youth welfare, the Chief Minister stated that the state government is working continuously to secure the future of the youth and expand employment opportunities. By implementing a strict anti-cheating law, transparency has been ensured in recruitment processes, and more than 35,000 youths have been provided government jobs over the last five years. New livelihood opportunities are being generated in both rural and urban areas through tourism, homestays, local products, agriculture, and self-employment, aiming to build an Uttarakhand where youth do not have to migrate for jobs.

The Chief Minister affirmed that the state government is advancing development while preserving Uttarakhand's cultural identity, natural wealth, and original character. Alongside implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), strict land laws and other landmark decisions have been enacted in the state. He reiterated that ensuring good governance, transparency, and effective law enforcement alongside development remains the government's priority. Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made to place Uttarakhand among the leading states in the country. The state government is working with full commitment toward building a developed Uttarakhand, and he appealed to the people of the state to actively participate in sanitation, environmental conservation, and development initiatives.

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