CM Dhami Seeks Centre’s Support for 26 km Rispana-Bindal Elevated Road; Unveils Coffee Table Book Showcasing Uttarakhand’s Beauty

Pushkar Singh Dhami highlights need for special NITI Aayog grant, emphasizes Uttarakhand’s rising prominence in tourism and sustainable development

Dehradun : Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has requested the central government to approve a 26-kilometre Rispana-Bindal elevated road project to address Dehradun’s growing traffic congestion and to accommodate the surge in tourists following the upcoming inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun elevated expressway. With an expected influx of tourists into the state, CM Dhami said the government is proactively tackling planning challenges to ensure infrastructure is prepared in advance.

The Chief Minister also appealed to NITI Aayog for a special grant to develop infrastructure to serve the floating population in the state, particularly in high-footfall tourist regions.

Speaking at the launch of the coffee table book “Aerial Vistas of Uttarakhand” by noted photographer Bhumesh Bharti at the Chief Minister’s residence, CM Dhami highlighted Uttarakhand’s growing reputation as a model small state in financial management. He praised the book as a remarkable visual journey showcasing the rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty of Uttarakhand. “Bhumesh Bharti is not just a photographer but an artist who captures the soul of nature through his lens,” he said. “This book will inspire people to visit Uttarakhand and experience its serene landscapes for themselves.”

Uttarakhand’s Development Milestones

CM Dhami noted that Uttarakhand continues to excel in various sectors. The state ranked first in the SDG Index, became the first to implement Gross Environment Product (GEP), and also took bold steps by being the first to adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Over 6,500 acres of encroached land have been reclaimed, and the government continues to introduce developmental innovations.

Destination Uttarakhand on the Global Tourism Map

Emphasizing Uttarakhand’s potential in global tourism, CM Dhami said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has consistently promoted tourism through investment-friendly policies. The new tourism policy, he said, aims to place “Destination Uttarakhand” firmly on the global map.

“The state is an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual energy. We are developing new tourism circuits, with a focus on spiritual, adventure, wellness, eco, agro, and film tourism,” CM Dhami said.

He added that the “Manaskhand Corridor” is being developed with the same grandeur as the Kedarkhand region. Moreover, Rishikesh and Haridwar are being promoted as global centres for yoga and spirituality. This year, the state also launched a winter pilgrimage initiative, which gained national attention following a visit by Prime Minister Modi to Harsil and Mukhba.

Adventure and Film Tourism on the Rise

The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s efforts in promoting adventure tourism activities such as trekking, river rafting, paragliding, skiing, and mountaineering. Uttarakhand has also emerged as a preferred destination for filmmakers due to its streamlined single-window clearance system and attractive subsidies for film shooting.

These initiatives led to Uttarakhand receiving the prestigious “Most Film Friendly State” award at the National Film Awards.

Recognition of Model Villages

The Ministry of Tourism recently honoured four villages from Uttarakhand—Jakhhol, Harsil, Gunji, and Supi—with the “Best Tourism Village” award. CM Dhami underlined that these recognitions are a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to making Uttarakhand one of India’s leading states.

“Our government is fully committed to achieving our vision of a ‘Vikalp Rahit Sankalp’—an uncompromising resolve to make Uttarakhand a front-running state in every field,” he stated.

Notable Attendees

The event was attended by Additional Secretary to the CM Shri Banshidhar Tiwari, Doon University Vice Chancellor Smt. Surekha Dangwal, senior journalist Shri Satish Sharma, and photojournalists from across the state. The gathering witnessed an enthusiastic appreciation for the work of Bhumesh Bharti, whose lens captured a panoramic view of the state’s spiritual, cultural, and natural grandeur.

—Department of Information and Public Relations