BAGESHWAR: In a major push to accelerate development in the Kumaon region, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 42 projects worth ₹108 crore in Kapkot in Bageshwar district during a large public gathering at Kedareshwar Maidan. A massive crowd turned out to welcome the Chief Minister, with local residents greeting him with garlands and enthusiastic cheers. The event opened with cultural performances presented by school students, adding colour and energy to the gathering.
The Chief Minister inaugurated 24 completed projects worth about ₹62 crore and laid the foundation stone for 18 new schemes amounting to ₹45.95 crore. The projects span sectors such as roads, health, rural infrastructure, river conservation, and community development.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that the overwhelming public presence demonstrated people’s faith in the work being carried out by the state government. He noted that several welfare initiatives for the poor, women, and youth are underway across the state and that the administration remains committed to inclusive development. He highlighted the ongoing progress under the Manas Khand Mala project aimed at restoring and beautifying important religious sites in the region.
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The Chief Minister added that the newly introduced winter tourism initiative will promote year round tourism, thereby creating employment opportunities for local residents. He emphasised that the government is working on a zero tolerance policy regarding corruption and has taken steps to strengthen transparency and accountability in public works.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister drew attention to the growing recognition of Bageshwar’s traditional copper craft under the One District Two Product initiative. He said that local artisans have already begun receiving national exposure, thereby opening new markets for their products. He informed the public that conservation work on the Saryu and Gomti rivers is making steady progress and that the survey for the proposed Bageshwar railway line has been completed. He also stated that the Garud hospital in the region will be upgraded to improve healthcare facilities for residents.
During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed financial assistance cheques to various cooperative groups and women self help groups. The Sankalp CLF under the cooperatives sector received three crore twenty three lakh rupees. The Urja CLF received twenty two lakh fifty thousand rupees. Two self help groups under NRLM, the Samvad Mahila group and the Jai Golu Devta group, received five lakh rupees each. The Chief Minister said that these grants would strengthen livelihood generation and build financial independence among women.
Multiple departmental stalls were set up at the venue by agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, cooperation, rural development, women empowerment, dairy, animal husbandry and industry departments. These stalls showcased schemes, products and services available to the public. The Chief Minister visited each stall, interacted with local artisans and beneficiaries, listened to their concerns, and encouraged them to continue their work with dedication and innovation.
Officials said the development at Kapkot is part of a larger effort to boost infrastructure in remote areas and to ensure that government schemes reach beneficiaries in a timely manner. The administration aims to accelerate progress in the district through focused planning and a coordinated approach among departments.
Speaking on the state’s long term goals, the Chief Minister said that the government is working to establish Uttarakhand as a leading state in education, healthcare, connectivity, tourism and industry. He said that policies related to local products, start ups, small businesses and skill development have opened new opportunities for youth. He added that continuous efforts are being made to strengthen the local economy, promote traditional crafts and empower rural communities.
Local residents expressed appreciation for the Chief Minister’s announcements and said that the new projects would bring direct benefits in terms of employment, better infrastructure and improved public services. Several villagers said that the upcoming upgrades in roads and health facilities would significantly improve daily life in the region.
Senior officials present at the event included District Magistrate Akanksha Konde, District Panchayat Chairperson Shobha Arya, Kapkot MLA Suresh Gadiya, Bageshwar MLA Parvati Das, State Minister rank leader Bhupesh Upadhyay, Shiv Singh Bist, District Panchayat Vice Chairperson Vishakha Khetwal, former Cabinet Minister Balwant Singh Bauryial, BJP District President Prabha Gadiya, Municipal Chairperson Suresh Khetwal, SP Chandra Singh Ghodke, and CDO R C Tiwari among others. The large turnout reflected strong community engagement and interest in development planning for the district.
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.
