In a significant development aimed at boosting Uttarakhand’s energy and sports infrastructure, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi on Tuesday. The Chief Minister sought approval and support for the development and construction of seven hydropower projects in the state, with a total capacity of 647 megawatts.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasised that the state government remains fully committed to maintaining the purity and uninterrupted flow of the Ganga and its tributaries, while ensuring environmental sustainability. He highlighted that all proposed hydropower projects are being planned with a strong focus on ecological balance and sustainable development.
Our correspondent reports that the projects are expected to significantly enhance Uttarakhand’s power generation capacity and support the state’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in clean energy. The Chief Minister underlined that hydropower development is not only vital for meeting the state’s growing energy needs but also for generating employment and strengthening the local economy in hilly regions.
Our correspondent adds that for the proposed university, around 12.317 hectares of forest land in the Gaulapar area have been identified for transfer to the Department of Sports. The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to direct the concerned officials to expedite the necessary procedures for land transfer and environmental clearance so that construction work can commence soon.
The Chief Minister expressed that the sports university would not only promote sporting excellence but also attract students and professionals from across India, thereby making Uttarakhand a hub for sports education and infrastructure. He added that the project will open new avenues for the state’s youth and enhance Uttarakhand’s reputation as a centre of talent and discipline.
Our correspondent reports that Union Minister Bhupender Yadav gave his in-principle approval to both proposals and assured full cooperation from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He commended the Uttarakhand government’s balanced approach to development and environmental preservation and assured that the ministry would extend every possible support to ensure the timely progress of these projects.
Senior officials, including Shri Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Principal Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand, Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Special Secretary, and Shri Ajay Mishra, Resident Commissioner of Uttarakhand, were also present during the meeting.
The Chief Minister’s visit is seen as a crucial step towards accelerating Uttarakhand’s infrastructure development, particularly in renewable energy and sports. The combined focus on hydropower expansion and youth engagement reflects the state’s strategy of achieving economic growth while maintaining its commitment to ecological balance.
