Inaugurates 33 projects and lays foundation stones for 34 others
Announces nine key development initiatives for the district
Tourism, infrastructure and local employment in border areas are government priorities: CM
Pithoragarh, October 2026 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday announced 67 development projects worth more than ₹284 crore for Pithoragarh district. These include the inauguration of 33 projects completed at a cost of ₹105.30 crore and the laying of foundation stones for 34 projects worth ₹178.76 crore. The Chief Minister also made nine important announcements for the district’s development.
During the programme, cheques worth over ₹1 crore were distributed to beneficiaries under various self-employment schemes run by the departments of Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Bhatganai presented the Chief Minister with a handicraft artwork bearing the words Satyamev Jayate and a portrait of Baba Neem Karoli.
The Chief Minister also watched and listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme alongside members of the public. He said the programme inspires public participation and service to the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami said the development projects would strengthen roads, healthcare, education and other essential infrastructure. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to developing border areas and creating more local employment opportunities.
Adi Kailash Tourism Creates New Employment Opportunities
The Chief Minister said public interest in the region had increased following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Adi Kailash. The number of pilgrims visiting the area during the current year is expected to exceed one lakh. This growing tourism is creating new employment opportunities for people associated with homestays, transport, local products and tourism-related businesses.
Medical College and Road Connectivity
Dhami said the admission process for MBBS courses had begun at Pithoragarh Medical College, which is being developed at a cost of more than ₹750 crore. The institution will provide young people from this border district with opportunities to pursue medical education.
He added that the Pithoragarh–Bans–Awalghat road and bridge project would reduce the distance to Gangolihat and make access to the Hat Kalika Temple easier.
The Chief Minister said air connectivity from Pithoragarh to Munsiyari, Haldwani, Delhi and Dehradun had been promoted. Work was also underway to develop Naini Saini Airport at an estimated cost of around ₹450 crore.
Transparent Recruitment and Women’s Empowerment
Dhami said the state government was committed to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment system for young people. Action had been taken against examination malpractice networks under the stringent anti-copying law, with more than 100 people sent to jail.
He said over 35,000 young people had been provided government jobs in the state. Several schemes, including the Lakhpati Didi initiative, were being implemented to strengthen women’s economic empowerment.
The Chief Minister also highlighted decisions taken in the state’s interest, including the Uniform Civil Code, a stringent land law and an anti-riot law. He added that action was being taken under Operation Kalnemi against people who mislead others using false identities.
Dhami reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families. He extended greetings on the occasions of Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, as well as for the Jauljibi and Aathgaon Shilling fairs.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta said improved road connectivity had made travel to Gunji and Adi Kailash easier. He also spoke about the expansion of religious and adventure tourism and healthcare facilities in the region.
Following the programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated an optical biometer at the Seemant Eye Hospital, operated by the Seemant Seva Foundation. The equipment is expected to improve eye-care services for patients.
Nine Major Announcements for Pithoragarh
Road improvement: The Nainisaini Devat–Kanari Pabhain motor road will be improved and asphalted.
Road to Base Hospital: The road from Kailigad Bridge to Base Hospital will be improved and resurfaced using hot-mix technology.
Didihaat healthcare upgrade: Community Health Centre Didihaat will be upgraded to a sub-district hospital.
Mawani healthcare upgrade: Additional Health Centre Mawani will be upgraded to a Primary Health Centre.
New government college: Approval will be granted for establishing a government degree college at Moonakot (Riyansi).
Drinking water: Work will be undertaken on the Askot lift drinking water scheme.
Jyal Temple road: A cement-concrete road will be constructed at Jyal Temple in Chhana Pandey.
Temple beautification: Gadh Devi Temple in Chimushi village will be beautified.
Chandak–Chheda Digto li road: The road will be improved and widened.
Those present included Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta; Didihaat MLA Bishan Singh Chufal; Gangolihat MLA Fakir Ram Tamta; District Panchayat Chairperson Jitendra Prasad; Pithoragarh Mayor Kalpana Devlal; state ministers Ganesh Bhandari and Hemraj Bisht; BJP district president Girish Joshi; former MLA Chandra Pant; District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Bhatganai; Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde; Additional District Magistrate Yogendra Singh; Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jitendra Verma, along with other public representatives, officials and a large number of local residents.
