A meeting between Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Sunday brought several issues of strategic relevance for Uttarakhand into focus. The Chief Minister placed detailed proposals concerning military infrastructure, border-linked administration and critical pilgrimage routes before the Defence Minister, seeking timely intervention and support.
The meeting was held at the Defence Minister’s residence, where Chief Minister Dhami highlighted the strategic significance of Uttarakhand owing to its sensitive international borders with China and Nepal. He said that the state hosts several key military establishments, making coordination between the Union Government and the state administration essential for security and logistics planning. Officials present said the discussion remained centred on infrastructure, operational needs and long-term administrative requirements.
Chief Minister Dhami formally urged that the Air Force Audit Branch, currently functioning in Dehradun, should remain stationed in the state capital rather than being shifted elsewhere. He said that Dehradun’s location, existing military presence and operational suitability make it the natural choice for the branch’s continued operation. He added that the relocation could affect coordination, monitoring and administrative efficiency linked with several northern commands.
नई दिल्ली में आदरणीय केंद्रीय रक्षा मंत्री श्री @rajnathsingh जी से भेंट कर राज्यहित से जुड़े विभिन्न विषयों पर विस्तृत चर्चा कर उनका मार्गदर्शन प्राप्त किया। इस दौरान उनसे देहरादून स्थित एयर फ़ोर्स ऑडिट ब्रांच कार्यालय के प्रस्तावित स्थानांतरण एवं नंदा राजजात यात्रा का प्रमुख… pic.twitter.com/Yig1QbfiPF
He also raised the issue of long-term maintenance of the main route of the Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra, an important pilgrimage and cultural route of Uttarakhand that runs through Gwaldam, Nandkesari, Tharali, Deval, Mundoli and Vaan. He requested that the Public Works Department of Uttarakhand should continue to oversee the maintenance of this critical motor road. He said that the route holds spiritual, cultural and economic significance for the region and must remain under state-level monitoring for timely repair and safety management.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the pilgrimage route supports a wide network of remote villages and is vital for tourism, local mobility and economic activity. He said that maintaining the road in good condition is also essential because it lies close to sensitive regions and requires quick response capability in case of emergencies or disaster-related challenges.
Senior officials said that the Defence Minister responded positively to the issues raised by the Chief Minister. They said that the Defence Minister assured him that all proposals would be reviewed in detail and necessary directions would be issued to concerned departments after examining the administrative and security aspects. They added that the meeting reflected the Centre’s and the state’s shared commitment to safeguarding Uttarakhand’s strategic interests.
Later, Chief Minister Dhami posted on his X handle about his meeting with the Defence Minister. He wrote: “In New Delhi, I met with the esteemed Union Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh ji and held detailed discussions on various matters related to the state’s interests, seeking his guidance. During this time, I had an in-depth discussion with him on issues concerning the proposed relocation of the Air Force Audit Branch office located in Dehradun, as well as the maintenance and improvement works of the main route of the Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra—Gwaldam-Nandkesari-Tharali-Deval-Mundoli-Vaan Motor Road.”
In a follow-up line on his social media account, the Chief Minister added: “Heartfelt thanks to the esteemed Union Defence Minister ji for giving positive assurances on various requests.”
Officials familiar with the meeting said that the proposals raised by the Chief Minister align with ongoing strategic and administrative priorities of the state. They said that Uttarakhand’s geographic situation requires well-maintained infrastructure and uninterrupted institutional coordination with central defence agencies.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing that sustained cooperation between the Union Government and the state administration remains essential for strengthening border preparedness, improving essential connectivity and supporting cultural routes that have a long-standing legacy in the Himalayan region.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
