PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the State government is consistently working to provide a new direction to the development of Uttarakhand. He said this while inaugurating the State-level urban development conference in Kashipur on Tuesday, as part of Uttarakhand’s 25th foundation day celebrations. On this occasion, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 46.24 crore and flagged off the Divyang empowerment skill development vehicle, along with 14 garbage collection vehicles for the Municipal Corporation of Kashipur.
Dhami said that during the early years of Statehood, when the cities were taking shape, municipalities faced a shortage of basic amenities and essential resources. The State’s geographical conditions and frequent natural disasters significantly impacted the pace of development. However, in these 25 years, the State has overcome numerous challenges.
He emphasised that Uttarakhand’s urban landscape has changed rapidly over the past 25 years. While the urban population of the State was approximately 16 per cent in 2001, it has now increased to over 36 per cent. At the time of the State’s formation, there were only 63 local bodies, with Dehradun being the sole municipal corporation. Currently, there are 107 urban bodies and 11 municipal corporations working diligently to develop cities and enhance amenities for citizens.
Dhami said that the Urban Development department’s budget was only Rs 55 crore at the time of the State’s formation, but has now grown to over Rs 1,300 crore. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” has propelled India to new heights of development and prosperity. On one hand, solid waste management and sanitation systems are being strengthened in every city under the Swachh Bharat Mission, while on the other hand, efforts are being made to ensure that the benefits of various public welfare schemes, such as the Smart City Mission and Pradhan Mantri Swanidhi Yojana, reach every citizen of Uttarakhand.
For the first time in the State, 115 Urban Health and Wellness Centres are being established in 52 local bodies at a cost of Rs 82.5 crores, aiming to provide accessible health services to underprivileged families in urban areas, he said.
Additionally, the CM highlighted the construction of a sewerage treatment plant in Kashipur and a modern treatment plant under the Solid Waste Management Project. An Industrial Hub Project costing Rs 1,100 crore and an Aroma Park Project costing Rs 100 crore are also being implemented to create employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy in the region.
