CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Inaugurates Almora’s Maa Nanda Devi Fair 2025 Virtually

Aug 2025 : Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Maa Nanda Devi Fair 2025 of Almora through virtual mode. On this occasion, he extended greetings to the people of Almora and the entire state, stating that this fair is a symbol of our folk faith, culture, and identity. He emphasized that it is not only a religious event but also a platform for economic, cultural, and social empowerment.

The Chief Minister also announced that preparations have already begun for the grand celebration of the Maa Nanda Rajjat Yatra, which is organized once every twelve years, and in 2026 it will be celebrated in a divine and magnificent manner. He said that the government will leave no stone unturned to make this pilgrimage remarkable.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is currently experiencing an era of cultural renaissance. The way our religious heritage is being preserved and beautified is beyond expression in words. Guided by the Prime Minister, the Uttarakhand government is committed to overall development of the state along with the reconstruction of religious sites and preservation of cultural identity.

Key Announcements and Development Projects

• Jageshwar Dham Beautification:
  ₹146 crore has been approved in the first phase for the beautification of the Jageshwar temple complex while preserving its original form, and the second phase of development has also been sanctioned.
• Healthcare Expansion:
  Construction of a new building for the Base Hospital in Almora.
  In Someshwar, a 100-bed sub-district hospital is under construction, with the first phase covering 50 beds.
  A state-of-the-art 50-bed Critical Care Block is being established for patients suffering from serious illnesses.
  Almora Women’s Hospital is being upgraded at a cost of about ₹5 crore.
• Infrastructure & Roads:
  Over the past three years, 248 km of rural roads have been constructed in Almora district under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
  Additionally, major motor road construction and renovation projects worth crores have been undertaken under the Public Works Department.
  About ₹400 crore has been spent on road construction connecting Almora–Pauri Garhwal–Rudraprayag.
  A ₹922 crore widening project of the Almora–Bageshwar road has been approved.
• Tourism & Connectivity:
  Helicopter services launched under the “Udaan Scheme” to promote tourism and ensure better connectivity.
  A lift pumping irrigation scheme worth over ₹12 crore in Sadi Mahar village.
  Construction of over 25 parking sites in the district is underway.
  Helipad construction plans near Dol Ashram in Chaukhutia are also in progress.
• Education & Institutions:
  Construction of an administrative building at Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora.
• Social Welfare & De-addiction:
  A de-addiction center has been established in Almora to support the mission of a “Drug-Free Uttarakhand.”
• Promoting Local Economy & Crafts:
  Initiatives like “One District, Two Products,” Millet Mission, Apple Mission, Farm Machinery Banks, New Tourism Policy, New Film Policy, Homestays, and “Wed in Uttarakhand” are being promoted to strengthen the local economy.
  The “House of Himalayas” brand has helped local products gain wide recognition.
• Preservation of Culture & Law Enforcement:
  Strict anti-conversion and anti-riot laws implemented in the state.
  Over 6,500 acres of government land freed from illegal encroachment (“land jihad”).
  Around 250 illegal madrasas sealed and more than 500 unauthorized structures removed.
  Uttarakhand is the first state to introduce strict land laws to protect farmers’ lands from land mafia.
  The Madrasa Board will be abolished; after July 1, 2026, madrasas not following the government curriculum will be closed.
• Maa Nanda Devi Temple & Handicraft Village:
  The historic Maa Nanda Devi Temple will be reconstructed and beautified in the traditional mountain style.
  A Nanda Devi Handicraft Village will be established at Dinapani in collaboration with various institutions.
  This craft village, under the Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana, will promote products made by women entrepreneurs along with copperware, Aipan art, woodcraft, and other traditional handicrafts. These products will also be linked to national and international markets.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the government is committed to protecting the cultural values and demography of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, ensuring both development and preservation of heritage.