DEHRADUN: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan chaired a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday to review the progress of key infrastructure and development projects, including the Haridwar Corridor, Rishikesh Master Plan, and Sharda Corridor. The Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB) presented a detailed briefing on the status and roadmap of these projects.
Emphasizing the significance of the Haridwar Corridor, Bardhan directed that priority be given to projects requiring immediate implementation. He instructed that work should commence without delay on initiatives with completed Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
Highlighting Haridwar’s religious and cultural heritage, the Chief Secretary stressed that development efforts must preserve the sanctity and original form of spiritually significant sites. He called for continuous engagement with stakeholders and the preparation of a comprehensive implementation plan covering budgets, executing agencies, and long-term maintenance.
Specific directives were issued to expand the areas of Brahmakund and Mahila Ghat, and to ensure the historical and thematic integrity of Sati Kund during its redevelopment. Bardhan also instructed that multi-level parking facilities should be planned carefully so as not to obstruct views of the river.
Regarding the Sharda Riverfront Development, Bardhan directed officials to prioritize projects based on their nature and to incorporate eco-tourism activities where feasible. He also emphasized including priority projects identified by the District Magistrate of Champawat. In terms of infrastructure, he recommended that helipads and heliports be factored into the broader tourism circuit development plan to improve connectivity.
While reviewing the Rishikesh Master Plan, the Chief Secretary directed the preparation of a holistic mobility plan, especially around the old railway station. He also called for a hydrological survey for the revival of the Chandrabhaga River.
Reiterating the urgency of the projects, Bardhan said that essential works should begin immediately and that coordinated, time-bound efforts are necessary given the importance of the Haridwar Corridor, Sharda Riverfront, and Rishikesh development initiatives.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretaries Nitesh Kumar Jha, Sachin Kurve, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Dr. V. Shanmugam, Chief Conservator of Forests P.K. Patro, and senior officials from other relevant departments.
