'Mahayagna Of Development In Uttarakhand': PM Modi Lauds Dhami Govt On 25th State Foundation Day

On Uttarakhand's 25th statehood anniversary, PM Modi praised its development and outlined 9 requests for progress, including language preservation, environmental conservation, and supporting local businesses.

On the occasion of Uttarakhand’s 25th State Foundation Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the developmental strides being made under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Calling it a “Mahayagna of development,” PM Modi lauded the achievements of the double-engine government and outlined nine key requests for the people of Uttarakhand and visiting tourists to further the state’s progress.

Addressing the Police Raitik Parade via video message, PM Modi reflected on the beginning of the silver jubilee year of Uttarakhand. He urged everyone to prepare for the journey of the next 25 years, coinciding with India's Amrit Kaal. “The resolution of a developed Uttarakhand for a developed India will be seen getting fulfilled in this period,” he said.

Reflecting on past promises, the Prime Minister emphasised that Uttarakhand is proving itself as a state of immense potential. “A few years ago, sitting at the feet of Baba Kedarnath, I expressed confidence that this decade would belong to Uttarakhand. Today, the state is making new records in development,” he stated, noting its recent achievements like topping the SDG Index, becoming an achiever in the Ease of Doing Business rankings, and excelling in the Startup ranking. The state’s annual income has more than doubled, and its GDP has increased from Rs 1.5 lakh crore in 2014 to Rs 3.5 lakh crore today, he added.

PM Modi further stressed the tangible benefits of the double-engine government, including improved access to clean water and extensive infrastructure development. “Before 2014, less than five percent of houses had tap water. Today, the coverage has increased to nearly 96 percent,” he said, adding that the length of PMGSY roads in the state has quadrupled since 2014.

PM Modi Highlights Projects For Uttarakhand's Growth

The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing major projects, such as the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project, set for completion by 2026, and the development of the Dehradun-Delhi Expressway, which will reduce travel time to just two and a half hours. He announced that 11 stations will be developed as Amrit stations, and projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore from the Central Government are ongoing in Uttarakhand.

He elaborated on initiatives like the Kedarnath Dham reconstruction, the Badrinath Master Plan, and the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, which involves developing 16 historic temples. “A grand and divine reconstruction is being done,” Modi said, adding that ropeways under the Parvat Mala project are connecting tourist spots, boosting religious and eco-tourism.

Touching upon the Vibrant Village Scheme initiated from Mana village, PM Modi underscored the development of 50 border villages in Uttarakhand, emphasising that the government regards these as the “first villages of the country.”

PM Modi Lauds Uttarakhand Govt For Implementing Uniform Civil Code

The Prime Minister highlighted that today Uttarakhand government is making such decisions which are becoming an example for the country. He cited the Uniform Civil Code implemented after 'deep study', which he considers to be a true secular civil code. "Today the whole country is discussing UCC and feeling its need. Similarly, Uttarakhand has implemented anti-cheating law to secure the future of the youth and has taken strict action against the mafia. Many such works of Uttarakhand are becoming an example for other states," he said.

PM Modi Seeks 9 Pledges From People Of Uttarakhand And Tourists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his address being on 9 November, he seeks to nine requests as the number 9 is considered auspicious, it is a symbol of power. To the people of Uttarakhand, he urged conservation of local dialects, tree plantation in mothers' names, preservation of water resources, staying connected with ancestral villages, and maintaining the traditional Tibari architecture by converting old houses into homestays.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that all your dialects including Garhwali, Kumauni, Jaunsari are very rich, their conservation is very important. Therefore, the people of Uttarakhand must teach their dialects to the coming generations, this is also important for the identity of Uttarakhand," he said.

"The Prime Minister said that the people of Uttarakhand should also come forward to save and preserve the old Tibari houses in their villages. By converting old houses into homestays, you can make them a source of income," the Prime Minister remarked.

To tourists, he requested the avoidance of single-use plastic, support for local products, adherence to traffic rules, and respect for the sanctity of religious sites.

"Whenever you go to the lap of the Himalayas as a tourist, keep cleanliness at the top and go with the thought that single-use plastic should not be used in the mountains," he urged tourists.

"While roaming in the mountains, remember Vocal for local, spend at least five percent of your trip in buying local products," he added.

“Your efforts will make a huge impact on the development and sustainability of Uttarakhand,” PM Modi concluded, adding that Uttarakhand’s policies, like the Uniform Civil Code and anti-cheating laws, are setting examples for the nation.