PIONEER EDGF NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the construction of a multipurpose artificial turf field for hockey and football at the GIC Ground in Almora district, designed for both day and night use, while inaugurating the Saansad (MP) Khel Mahotsav in Almora on Monday. At the event, he also inaugurated football and badminton competitions and felicitated international cricketer Ekta Bisht along with local sports coaches.
CM said that 200 solar lights would be installed to enhance the lighting system within the municipal corporation area, promoting clean and green energy. Additionally, a 50-bed hostel will be constructed at Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Stadium in Almora and the badminton court there will be renovated to meet international standards.
He said that for the comprehensive development of Almora, several key initiatives are being implemented aimed at improving tourism, employment and connectivity. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), over 250 kilometers of roads have been constructed in Almora district over the past four years. A road connecting Almora, Pauri Garhwal and Rudraprayag has been constructed at an expenditure of approximately Rs 400 crores, while approval has been granted for widening the Almora-Bageshwar road at an estimated cost of around Rs 922 crores. He also mentioned many other development projects being executed in Almora, including those related to health services.
Commenting on the competition, the CM said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are working towards building a developed and self-reliant India by recognising youth power. Inspired by this vision, the ‘Sansad Khel Mahotsav,’ organised under the theme ‘Fit Youth for a Vikist Bharat,’ is not just a simple sports competition; it is a significant campaign to promote a sports culture across the country.”
He emphasised that this event would provide a robust platform for hidden sports talents in every village to reach national and international levels.
He further announced that the government would soon implement a ‘Sports Legacy Plan’ in the State under which 23 sports academies will be established in eight major cities.
