Sunday, 11 July 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed various issues related to the state on Saturday. The discussion was so detailed that instead of the scheduled 15 minutes, the PM continued the interaction for more than an hour.
Congratulating Dhami on becoming the chief minister, Modi expressed hope that Uttarakhand will progress swiftly under a youth leader. Dhami informed the PM about the preparations in Uttarakhand for a possible third wave of Covid-19. He also talked about the Char Dham Yatra and Kanwad Yatra. Informing Modi that works amounting to Rs 108 crore are to be started in phase II of Kedarnath reconstruction project, he sought time from the PM for foundation laying/virtual ceremony for the same. Stating that various important initiatives have been taken with the Centre’s help to improve the health sector in Uttarakhand, Dhami said that All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh is a vital provision made by the centre. Citing the difficult geography of the state, the chief minister requested that another AIIMS be established in the Kumaon region. Stating that the state government will provide the land needed for this, he said that establishment of AIIMS in Kumaon will benefit the people of the region with its world class health facilities.
Dhami also requested the PM that the cabinet committee on economic affairs grant approval to the Lakhwad multipurpose project for its swift implementation. He said that this 300 MW capacity project of national importance will enhance water availability in the Yamuna river and benefit six states- Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. All approvals have been received for this project except the approval of the cabinet committee on economic affairs, after securing which the construction of the project can be started.
Dhami later said that Uttarakhand is becoming one of the leading states under the PM’s guidance. He said that Modi granting an hour more than the scheduled time for the interaction with him was a sign of the PM’s affection and concern for the state’s people.
