CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss key development projects in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi to discuss major projects that aim to improve infrastructure, water supply, and energy systems in the state. During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the urgent need for financial assistance and faster approvals for several pending proposals that are important for the state’s growth.

Focus on urban infrastructure and drainage system

Chief Minister Dhami explained that the growing population in Uttarakhand’s cities has created heavy pressure on urban infrastructure. Many districts face frequent waterlogging and damage during the monsoon due to poor drainage systems. To solve this issue, the state government has prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) worth ₹8,589.47 crore for improving stormwater drainage in ten districts.

Dhami requested that these projects be approved under the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment to States, which supports development works that strengthen local infrastructure. He said the proposal is important for protecting cities and towns that experience heavy rainfall every year.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that better drainage facilities would reduce flooding and help local administrations manage rainfall-related emergencies more effectively. He emphasised that timely financial assistance from the Centre could prevent damage to property and help safeguard lives during the rainy season.

Request for approval of major projects

In addition to drainage work, Dhami sought early approval for the state’s pending Externally Aided Projects (EAPs). He noted that the Uttarakhand Climate Resilience Development Project had already been cleared, but other important proposals worth hundreds of crores were still awaiting approval. These include projects of ₹850 crore under the Public Financial Management Strengthening Project and ₹800 crore for water supply improvements across various towns and rural areas.

The Chief Minister also urged that four large-scale projects beyond the EAP ceiling for 2023–26 be approved. These projects are vital to improving water, power, and sanitation infrastructure in Uttarakhand. They include:

1. Urban Infrastructure Development Project for Water and Sanitation worth ₹2,000 crore.

2. DRIP-III (Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project) worth ₹424 crore.

3. Intra-State Power Transmission System Development Project worth ₹3,638 crore.

4. Power Distribution Reliability Improvement Project worth ₹1,566 crore.

Dhami said these initiatives would ensure better access to clean water, reliable electricity, and efficient sanitation systems across the state. They would also help strengthen Uttarakhand’s ability to manage natural disasters, especially in hilly and flood-prone regions.

He told the Finance Minister that the projects align with the state’s vision of sustainable growth and better service delivery for citizens. The projects also support the national goals of environmental protection and renewable energy development.

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Centre assures continued support to Uttarakhand

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman appreciated the detailed presentation made by the Chief Minister and assured him that the Centre would continue to support Uttarakhand’s development efforts. She said that the government understands the challenges faced by Himalayan states, particularly regarding terrain, connectivity, and disaster management.

Dhami thanked the Finance Minister for the Centre’s consistent cooperation in the past, especially in the areas of road construction, tourism infrastructure, and hydropower development. He added that the new proposals would create more job opportunities, improve water and power supply in remote areas, and make Uttarakhand more resilient to climate change.

The Chief Minister also highlighted how these projects would strengthen the basic infrastructure of the state, improve the management of natural resources, and modernize the public service delivery system.

According to Dhami, the support of the Union Finance Ministry is essential for ensuring the success of these projects. He expressed hope that with central backing, Uttarakhand would soon witness a new wave of development focused on sustainability, safety, and growth.

He assured that the state government is fully committed to transparency and efficient use of funds to achieve timely completion of all approved projects. The Finance Minister’s assurance of cooperation has raised optimism among the state officials, who believe the new projects will help transform Uttarakhand’s urban and rural landscapes over the next few years.