ALMORA: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday succeeded in temporarily defusing the ongoing protests in Chaukhutia in Almora district, after assuring local representatives that their long-pending demand for the establishment of a Sub-District Hospital (SDH) (Chaukhutia Hospital) would be acted upon urgently. The agitation, which had entered a crucial phase, has now been suspended for 20 days following a detailed video-call discussion between the Chief Minister and protest leaders.
Our correspondent reports that public mobilisation in Chaukhutia had been steadily rising over the past several weeks, with residents expressing frustration over inadequate health facilities in the region. The demand for an SDH has been a persistent issue for more than a decade, as locals currently depend on distant medical centres for emergency care, maternity services, and specialised treatment.
According to officials present during the interaction, the Chief Minister adopted what participants described as a “positive and sensitive approach” toward all major demands. He assured the delegation that the process for establishing the SDH would now accelerate.
Dhami assures token money, specialist deployment
During the video-call meeting, Chief Minister Dhami promised that the required token money for the sub-district hospital would be released immediately, enabling administrative and technical procedures to begin without further delay.
“This is not just a file-based decision; it concerns people’s health and lives. The government will ensure that the token money required for the hospital is issued at the earliest,” the Chief Minister said, according to participants.
He also committed to strengthening healthcare services in the region by prioritising the posting of specialist doctors.
“Deployment of specialists in remote and rural regions is our top priority. Chaukhutia will not be left behind. You will start seeing progress on the ground very soon,” Dhami assured.
Protest leaders welcome CM’s assurances
Leaders of the protest, including Bhuvan Kathayat and Ashok Kumar, expressed satisfaction with the discussion, stating that the Chief Minister had offered “clear, time-bound assurances”.
Speaking after the call, one of the representatives said: “We appreciate the Chief Minister’s personal intervention. His assurance on releasing token money and deploying specialists shows seriousness. We have decided to suspend the stir for 20 days, but the movement will resume if progress is not visible.”
Deputy District Magistrate Sunil Kumar Raj, who was also present during the call, said that the administration will closely monitor all follow-up actions. “We will ensure that instructions from the government are implemented swiftly,” he added.
Long struggle for better health facilities
The Chaukhutia region has struggled for years with inadequate health infrastructure. Locals must travel long distances to hospitals in Ranikhet, Almora or Haldwani, often losing precious time during medical emergencies. Women, elderly people and children are especially affected.
Residents say the lack of an SDH has resulted in multiple preventable deaths over the years. Several civic bodies, youth groups, and women’s collectives had previously petitioned the government on the issue.
The recent movement gained momentum after villagers united under a joint action committee that staged sit-ins, marches and public meetings demanding immediate sanction of the SDH.
Government reiterates commitment to ‘holistic development’
“Chaukhutia is an important part of our state, and its development is my personal commitment. All legitimate demands of the people will be fulfilled in a phased and time-bound manner,” he said.
Officials pointed out that the government has recently taken several steps to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Uttarakhand, including upgrading CHCs, adding trauma care facilities in hill districts, and expanding telemedicine services. The proposed Chaukhutia SDH is expected to include emergency care, maternal health units, an OPD block, diagnostic services and specialist clinics.
Movement suspended, but public watchfulness continues
While the agitation has been called off temporarily, protest leaders emphasised that the decision is conditional.
“We are hopeful, but also watchful,” said a representative. “If the government fails to show tangible progress within the next 20 days, the agitation will resume with greater intensity.”
Local residents have welcomed the development with cautious optimism. Many expressed relief that the Chief Minister had addressed them directly, saying this had restored confidence in the administrative process.
As the government prepares to issue the formal orders for the release of funds and further hospital-related procedures, the next three weeks will be crucial for building trust and delivering on promises made during the high-level interaction.
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.
