“Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Launches Bold River Revival and Green Initiatives”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed officials to focus on the revival of two key rivers in the state, one from the Garhwal Mandal and one from the Kumaon Mandal. This directive came during a review of the Jalgam Department at the Jalgam Management Directorate in Indranagar on Thursday.

Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the importance of constructing small ponds in areas prone to forest fires and called for public cooperation in these efforts. He stressed that while conserving natural resources, the Jalgam Department should also focus on enhancing the livelihoods of local communities. Additionally, he highlighted the need to assess the impact of construction projects on water sources and to prioritize the revival of affected water sources.

The Chief Minister directed that externally aided projects be completed within the given timelines, with special emphasis on schemes supported by the Central Government. He also called for accelerating projects with a 90 percent central share and a 10 percent state share. Furthermore, he instructed the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority to develop both short-term and long-term plans for reviving natural water sources and rain-fed rivers, ensuring thorough evaluation and monitoring.

In terms of sustainable development, CM Dhami urged for a focus on sustainable water resource management, land and ecosystem management, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. He emphasized the need for effective collaboration with the Forest Department to address human-wildlife conflicts and improve watershed management.

During the meeting, it was announced that the ‘Uttarakhand Climate Friendly Rain Fed Agriculture Project’ has been approved by the Watershed Department. Funded by the World Bank, this Rs 1,148 crore project aims to benefit mountain agriculture in Uttarakhand, reduce greenhouse gases, and enhance farmer income through improved practices and carbon fencing. The project, operating from 2024 to 2030, will address water drainage and soil erosion, boost crop productivity, and establish agricultural clusters and business centers. Additionally, efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana-Watershed Development Component 2.0 are ongoing in Pauri, Almora, and Pithoragarh districts.