Gauchar Fair is a symbol of Uttarakhand's historical heritage, rich trading tradition and cultural identity: Chief Minister
Committee to be constituted soon to resolve the issue related to Simli Hospital
Drinking water facilities in Gauchar and Gairsain strengthened; Chief Minister inaugurates the schemes
The 74th State Industrial Development and Cultural Gauchar Fair was grandly inaugurated in Gauchar on Saturday. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally inaugurated the seven-day fair by performing prayers and lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Upon his arrival in Gauchar, the Chief Minister was accorded a grand welcome and felicitation with melodious band performances, flower garlands and traditional ceremonies. The Chief Minister first paid floral tributes to the statue of the late Govind Prasad Nautiyal, the founder of the fair. On the occasion, girl students from local schools presented attractive cultural performances, showcasing various colours of folk culture. District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar welcomed the Chief Minister by presenting him with the mascot of the Gauchar Fair.
Inaugurating the fair, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the Gauchar Fair was not merely an event but a living symbol of Uttarakhand's historical heritage, rich trading tradition and distinctive cultural identity.
The fair began in 1943 as a Bhotiya Trade Fair with the cooperation of local traders, social workers and the administration of that time. During that period, Gauchar was an important centre of India-Tibet trade, where various local products, including wool, Pashmina and medicinal herbs, were traded. Over time, the fair expanded its scope and today has established a distinct identity not only across the state but also throughout the country as an industrial and cultural fair.
The Chief Minister said that the Gauchar Fair provides an important platform for local traders, artisans, small entrepreneurs and self-help groups to showcase and market their products. The fair is a strong medium for translating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve of 'Vocal for Local' into reality.
He said that fairs help preserve folk culture, folk art and traditional heritage while also connecting society. Preserving these traditions, which have been carried forward through generations, and passing them on to future generations is the shared responsibility of everyone.
Referring to the importance of Chamoli district, the Chief Minister said that it is the sacred land of Lord Badri Vishal, the maternal home of Goddess Nanda and the birthplace of the world-famous Chipko Movement. This land of brave people has given the country numerous courageous sons who made the supreme sacrifice in protecting the nation's borders.
He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous efforts were being made to develop border villages as the country's first villages rather than its last villages. The development of border areas, expansion of basic infrastructure and improvement in the living standards of local residents are among the government's priorities.
The Chief Minister said that the state government's endeavour was to ensure adequate employment and self-employment opportunities for young people in their own villages and regions. Their income should increase through activities such as agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, tourism and handicrafts so that they are not compelled to migrate from their homes and villages in search of employment.
With this objective, the state government is effectively implementing various employment-oriented initiatives, including the Tourism Policy, Homestay Policy, Film Policy and Solar Self-Employment Scheme.
He said that Chamoli's woollen handicrafts, pulses, kidney beans, mandua, jhangora, honey and medicinal herbs should not remain confined to local markets but should reach major markets across the country and the world. With this objective, the 'House of Himalayas' brand was launched.
The brand's business turnover has crossed Rs 6 crore so far. He said this achievement was not merely a business figure but an inspiring story of the hard work, self-confidence and economic self-reliance of the women of the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state government was working with complete commitment towards the all-round development of Chamoli district. Road connectivity to Shri Badrinath Dham was being improved through the Char Dham Road Project. At the same time, work on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project was also progressing rapidly.
With the completion of this project, connectivity, tourism activities and the local economy of the entire region would receive fresh momentum. He said that the government's resolve was to connect remote and border areas of the state with the mainstream of development by expanding basic infrastructure facilities.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also responded positively to the demands raised by public representatives and local residents. He said that a committee would soon be constituted to resolve the issue related to Simli Hospital and that directions would be issued to hear all concerned stakeholders.
Regarding the demand for construction of a Press Club building in the region, he requested that suitable land be identified locally and gave a positive assurance in this regard.
The Chief Minister said that the state government's objective was to make Uttarakhand the best state in the country. For this, along with accelerating development works, the preservation of the state's cultural heritage, local traditions and public sentiments would also be ensured.
He extended his best wishes to all residents of the region on the occasion of the Gauchar Fair and appealed to everyone to cooperate in making the event successful.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honoured senior journalist Lalit Prasad Lakheda of Bamoth village, Chamoli, for his notable contribution to journalism and literature with the 'Govind Prasad Nautiyal Memorial Award-2026'.
Senior writer and publisher Kirti Navani of Binsar Publication, Dehradun, was conferred the 'Pandit Maheshanand Nautiyal Education and Literary Promotion Award-2026'.
The Chief Minister congratulated both award recipients and appreciated their contributions to journalism, literature and education.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated two important schemes aimed at expanding and strengthening drinking water facilities in the region.
These included the Gauchar Urban Drinking Water Scheme, constructed at a sanctioned cost of Rs 32.45 crore in Karnaprayag Development Block of Karnaprayag Assembly Constituency under AMRUT 2.0.
The second project involved the strengthening and repair works of the Gairsain Urban Drinking Water Scheme, undertaken at a cost of Rs 459.32 lakh in Gairsain Development Block of Karnaprayag Assembly Constituency under the Hon'ble Chief Minister's announcement.
These schemes will help improve the drinking water supply system in the respective areas and benefit local residents.
Among those present at the programme were Chamoli district's Guardian Minister Bharat Singh Chaudhary; Tharali MLA Bhupal Ram Tamta; Karnaprayag MLA Anil Nautiyal; state ministers with designated rank Harak Singh Negi, Balveer Ghuniyal, Ramesh Gariya, Ram Chandra Gaur, Madhav Prasad Semwal, Prem Singh Rana and Chandrakala Tiwari; Chamoli District Cooperative Bank Chairman Gajendra Singh Rawat; BJP District President Gajpal Singh Bartwal; Gauchar Municipal Council Chairperson Sandeep Negi; Karnaprayag Block Pramukh Deepika Maikhuri; BJP General Secretary Arun Maithani; Vinod Kanwasi; District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar; Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Panwar; Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash; Sub-Divisional Magistrate Alkesh Naudiyal; along with other public representatives, officials, journalists, traders and a large number of local residents.
