“Uttarakhand Emerges as a Leader in Sports and Environmental Conservation — Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami”

“42 Teams, 3,390 Players Including 700 Women Take Part in Forest Sports Meet — CM Extends Best Wishes”
“Through Sports Forest and Green Games, Uttarakhand Becomes a Symbol of Athletic and Ecological Awareness”
“PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign Given New Dimension — CM Makes an Emotional Appeal”

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Address at the All India Forest Sports Meet 2025

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the All India Forest Sports and Cultural Competition 2025 as the chief guest at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur (Dehradun) today. The event was graced by Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, Rajya Sabha MPs Naresh Bansal and Kalpana Saini, MLAs Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’, Khajan Das, Savita Kapoor, Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and many other distinguished guests.

Uttarakhand Proudly Hosts the 28th All India Forest Sports Meet

Welcoming forest officers, players, and sports enthusiasts from across India, the Chief Minister said it was a matter of pride that Uttarakhand had the honor of hosting the 28th All India Forest Sports and Cultural Meet. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav for their support, and congratulated the Forest Department and organizers for hosting such a grand event.

3390 Participants, 42 Teams, Over 700 Women Athletes

The Chief Minister expressed happiness that 3,390 players from 42 states and union territories, including over 700 women, are participating this year. Extending his best wishes, he said, “Sports are not merely a means to physical fitness, but a foundation for personality development and nation-building.”

Commitment to Sports Culture and Environmental Protection

CM Dhami emphasized that sports instill discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. He noted that fitness is essential for forest personnel — the real guardians of forests and the environment. He added that the state government is promoting sports culture while continuously working for forest conservation and enhancement.

Sports Legacy Plan and Player Recognition

The Chief Minister shared that 23 sports academies across 8 cities, a State Sports University, and a Women’s Sports College are being established in Uttarakhand. “Our government provides out-of-turn appointments and ₹50 lakh honorarium to athletes winning medals at national and international levels,” he said.
He also announced a ₹50 lakh incentive for Sneha Rana, a member of India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup-winning team and a proud daughter of Uttarakhand.

‘Green Games’ and ‘Sports Forest’ Initiative

CM Dhami praised Uttarakhand’s initiative to host the 38th National Games under the theme “Green Games”, using eco-friendly and recycled materials.
He highlighted the creation of a ‘Sports Forest’ over 2.77 hectares, where over 1,600 Rudraksha trees have been planted in the names of medal-winning athletes.

“This site will stand as a symbol of sporting excellence and ecological consciousness.”

Use of Modern Technology in Wildlife Conservation

The Chief Minister stated that 71% of Uttarakhand’s area is forested, making it the “Oxygen Bank” and “Water Tower” of India.
The state has 6 national parks, 7 wildlife sanctuaries, and 4 conservation reserves, far exceeding the national average.
He mentioned the use of GPS tracking, drone surveillance, and dog squads for wildlife protection, and the increase in compensation for human-wildlife conflict victims from ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

CM Young Ecopreneur Scheme and Eco-Tourism

Under the “CM Young Ecopreneur Scheme”, youth are being trained as nature guides, drone pilots, wildlife photographers, trekking guides, and eco-tourism entrepreneurs.
Initiatives like “Canter Rides” are connecting local communities with wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, improving their livelihoods.
A modern wildlife rescue center, dubbed the “AIIMS of Wildlife”, has been established in Corbett.

The Chief Minister sought the Union Ministry’s approval for the Haldwani Zoo Safari Project and the proposed Snow Leopard Conservation Centre in Uttarkashi, calling them “vital for the state’s tourism and wildlife protection.”

An Emotional Call: ‘A Tree in Your Mother’s Name’

Referencing PM Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, CM Dhami urged players to plant a sapling in their mother’s name within the stadium complex — “It will be a living tribute to your mother’s love and make this event truly memorable.”

In his closing remarks, the Chief Minister said, “I am confident that forest officers and players from across the nation will not only excel in sports through their discipline and dedication but will also contribute to the protection of forest wealth and realization of a Green Uttarakhand.” “Through your hard work, you are not only bringing pride to the state but also shaping a greener, healthier, and stronger Uttarakhand for generations to come.”