Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday met Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi and sought central support for key infrastructure and housing projects, with a strong focus on preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela 2027 in Haridwar and Rishikesh. The discussions underscored the state government’s determination to deliver a grand, safe, and environmentally sensitive Kumbh while also addressing long-term developmental needs.
Power Infrastructure for Pilgrimage Corridors During the meeting, CM Dhami expressed gratitude to the Union government for approving a ₹547.83 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the underground cabling and automation of HT/LT power lines in the Rishikesh Ganga Corridor. The project is expected to significantly strengthen power reliability and safety in one of the state’s most important religious zones.
The Chief Minister also urged early approval for a ₹315 crore proposal under RDSS for similar power infrastructure improvements in the Haridwar Kumbh area, citing the massive surge in electricity demand and safety concerns expected during the 2027 mega-event.
Housing Challenges and PMAY (Urban) Shifting focus to urban housing, Dhami flagged issues in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). He noted that the current whitelisting and redeemable voucher system had discouraged private developers from actively participating in projects. To address this, he recommended a return to the earlier 40:40:20 phased payment system, which, he said, would accelerate project execution.
The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that under the PMAY (Urban) AHP component, 15,960 housing units are under construction in Uttarakhand, of which 15,281 units have already been allotted. However, he highlighted a serious challenge: EWS beneficiaries are often unable to secure loans from banks due to low CIBIL scores and unorganised income sources. He requested that the Centre issue special guidelines to banks, NBFCs, SLBC, and RBI to ease credit access for such beneficiaries so that more households can benefit from the scheme.
Riverfront Development for Cultural and Religious Tourism The Chief Minister also drew attention to Uttarakhand’s ambitious riverfront development plans. He said the state government is working on transforming the Rishikesh Ganga, Haridwar Ganga, and Sharda Riverfront at Tanakpur into world-class religious and cultural destinations. These projects, he stressed, would not only strengthen the Namami Gange mission but also boost sustainable tourism and local livelihoods.
Dhami requested ₹100 crore from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund of THDC to support these initiatives, underlining that such investments would provide long-term dividends for both the environment and the economy of Uttarakhand.
Commitment to a Grand Kumbh 2027 Framing his proposals in the context of the upcoming Kumbh Mela, Dhami said the festival represents not only a spiritual and cultural milestone but also a logistical challenge that requires close cooperation between the state and central governments. He expressed confidence that with adequate central assistance, Uttarakhand would be able to organise a “grand, secure, and environmentally responsible” Kumbh in 2027.
Union Minister’s Response Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar assured the Chief Minister of all possible support from the Centre. He praised Uttarakhand’s efforts in aligning development goals with environmental responsibility and acknowledged the importance of supporting infrastructure projects that serve both religious tourism and everyday livelihoods.
Looking Ahead The meeting signals a proactive approach by the Uttarakhand government to secure early clearances and funding for projects critical to the success of Kumbh 2027. With the clock ticking towards the mega-event, the Dhami government is pushing for stronger power infrastructure, faster housing delivery, and enhanced cultural assets that together aim to make Uttarakhand a model of spiritual tourism and sustainable development.
During the meeting, CM Dhami expressed gratitude to the Union government for approving a ₹547.83 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the underground cabling and automation of HT/LT power lines in the Rishikesh Ganga Corridor. The project is expected to significantly strengthen power reliability and safety in one of the state’s most important religious zones.
