The execution of Kedarnath reconstruction project and the development of Badrinath into a smart spiritual hill town should be done according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision with top priority being accorded to the interests of the locals. Chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat said this while reviewing these two projects via video conferencing at the Uttarakhand Sadan in Delhi. The CM directed that the sum of Rs 120 crore for development works in Kedarnath and Rs 245 crore for development works in Badrinath, collected through CSR should be used as directed and in a timely manner. He said that top priority should be accorded to the welfare of local priests and stakeholders. The option of relocation should be minimised and if unavoidable, resettlement of the affected locals should be accorded top priority after talking to them and securing their approval. He stressed that forceful acquisition will not be undertaken for the projects. The CM also directed the officials to undertaken proactive measures for the Kedarnath ropeway so that inconvenience to pilgrims is minimised during the Yatra season. He also sought detailed information from the officials about the rehabilitation of the people affected in the 2013 disaster.
The tourism secretary, Dilip Jawalkar made a presentation on the works in Kedarnath and Badrinath. Chief secretary Om Prakash and district magistrates of Rudraprayag and Chamoli were also present through video conferencing among others.
Saturday, 20 March 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
