Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually inaugurated the Maa Nanda Devi Fair 2025 in Almora on Thursday, extending greetings to residents of the district and the state. He said the fair is not only a symbol of faith and tradition but also a platform for economic, cultural, and social empowerment. He announced that preparations have already begun to celebrate the Maa Nanda Raj Jat Yatra in 2026 in a grand and divine manner.
Religious and Cultural Projects
The Chief Minister highlighted major projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage and temples in the Kumaon region. Under the Manaskhand Parvat Mala Mission, beautification works are underway at Jageshwar Dham, with ₹146 crore sanctioned in the first phase and approval for the second phase already granted. The Maa Nanda Devi temple will be reconstructed in the traditional mountain architectural style. A Nanda Devi Handicraft Village will be established at Dinapani to promote local crafts including copperware, Aipan art, woodcraft, and other traditional handicrafts. This craft village will also connect local women entrepreneurs and artisans with wider markets in India and abroad.
CM Dhami announced that Almora will get a 50-bed Critical Care Block to strengthen health infrastructure. The Almora Women’s Hospital is being upgraded at a cost of nearly ₹5 crore. The new building of Base Hospital is under construction, while in Someshwar a 100-bed sub-district hospital is being developed, with the first phase covering 50 beds. These initiatives, he said, are aimed at ensuring quality medical care for people in the hill districts.
Road and Transport Infrastructure
The Chief Minister emphasized road connectivity as a priority. In the last three years, 248 kilometers of rural roads have been constructed in Almora district under PMGSY. Additionally, road widening and construction projects worth hundreds of crores are underway. These include the Almora–Bageshwar road widening project worth ₹922 crore, and the Almora–Pauri–Rudraprayag road project costing around ₹400 crore.
To promote tourism and improve connectivity, helicopter services have been started in Almora under the UDAN scheme. Work on new helipads, including one at Chaukhutia near Dol Ashram, is progressing. More than 25 parking facilities are also being built across the district to ease traffic congestion.
Irrigation and Water Supply
In Sadi Mahar village, a lift pumping scheme worth over ₹12 crore is under construction to improve irrigation facilities. Other irrigation and water supply projects are also being implemented across Almora to benefit farmers and local communities.
Economic Growth and Livelihood
The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to curbing migration from the hills by strengthening the local economy. Initiatives such as One District Two Products, Millet Mission, Apple Mission, Farm Machinery Banks, new tourism and film policies, and the promotion of homestays and “Wed in Uttarakhand” are all creating fresh opportunities for livelihood. The House of Himalayas brand has provided wider recognition to local products, enabling artisans and entrepreneurs to reach new markets.
He urged citizens to embrace Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call of “Swadeshi Apnao, Desh Ko Majboot Banao”, emphasizing that self-reliance and the adoption of local products will not only strengthen the national economy but also empower small producers, artisans, and women entrepreneurs.
Governance and Law Enforcement Measures
CM Dhami reiterated the government’s strong stance against illegal encroachments, conversion activities, and land mafias. He said that over 6,500 acres of government land have been freed from encroachment. More than 250 illegal madrasas have been sealed and 500 unauthorized structures removed. He also announced that the Madrasa Board will be abolished, and from July 1, 2026, all madrasas not teaching the government-approved syllabus will be shut down.
He highlighted that Uttarakhand has implemented strict anti-conversion and anti-riot laws, as well as the state’s first stringent land law to protect farmers’ land from being taken by land mafias.
Social Welfare
The Chief Minister said that the government has also set up a de-addiction center in Almora under the “Nasha Mukt Uttarakhand” mission. Alongside, through the “Mukhyamantri Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana,” women entrepreneurs will get opportunities to showcase their products at the upcoming Nanda Devi Handicraft Village in Dinapani.
