Dhami Seeks Defence Minister’s Support for Uttarakhand Development

In a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented several key proposals aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure and services. Discussions centered on merging Ranikhet and Lansdowne Cantonment areas with local municipalities to facilitate tourism and public facility improvements. Dhami also requested access to military helipads in Dharchula and Joshimath for regional air connectivity and sought exemption from fees for IAF support during state disaster relief operations. Another key request involved the maintenance of the Tharali Dewal-Mundoli-Van motor road, a vital route for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. The Defence Minister responded positively to all the requests. Prior to this, Dhami met with Union Ministers Manohar Lal, seeking assistance for housing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) and development of hydroelectric projects. Discussions included the automation of power lines in Rishikesh-Haridwar, viability gap funding for hydroelectric and pump storage projects, and approval of the Pitkul projects. The Chief Minister also addressed financial challenges in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), proposing changes to streamline financial aid for projects on private land and advocated for the extension of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) to Haridwar.