CM Dhami inaugurates Maa Nanda Devi Mela 2025, announces ₹146 crore Jageshwar Dham plan
Approval of ₹146 crore for Jageshwar Dham beautification | Traditional reconstruction of Maa Nanda Devi Temple | Establishment of ‘Nanda Devi Handicraft Village’ in Dinapani | Boost to healthcare, roads, tourism and local livelihood
Dehradun/Almora – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday virtually inaugurated the historic Maa Nanda Devi Mela-2025 in Almora. Extending greetings to the people of Almora and the entire state, he said the festival is not just a symbol of folk faith and traditions, but also a medium of cultural, social and economic empowerment.
He also announced that preparations have already begun to celebrate the Maa Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra in 2026 in a grand manner. “This yatra, organized once in 12 years, will be made truly divine and historic,” he said.
Focus on Religious and Cultural Heritage
CM Dhami highlighted the ongoing revival of Uttarakhand’s ancient religious centers under the Manaskhand Parvat Mala Mission. He said:
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A ₹146 crore masterplan has been approved for the first phase of Jageshwar Dham beautification, while second phase works are also underway.
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The Maa Nanda Devi Temple in Almora will be reconstructed in traditional Kumaoni style to preserve its heritage.
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A ‘Nanda Devi Handicraft Village’ will be set up at Dinapani, promoting local crafts like Aipan art, copperware, woodcraft and women-led entrepreneurship.
Major Boost to Health Infrastructure
The Chief Minister announced several healthcare projects for Almora district:
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Construction of a 50-bed hospital at Someshwar.
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A 50-bed state-of-the-art Critical Care Block for treatment of serious patients.
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Upgradation of Almora Women’s Hospital with an investment of about ₹5 crore.
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Construction of a new building for Base Hospital Almora is also in progress.
Roads, Connectivity & Tourism Development
Dhami informed that:
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248 km of rural roads have been constructed in Almora district under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana in the last three years.
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A ₹922 crore project for widening of the Almora–Bageshwar road has been approved.
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A road connecting Almora–Pauri–Rudraprayag has been completed at a cost of about ₹400 crore.
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Heli services have started under the Udaan Yojana, while a helipad in Chaukhutia (near Dol Ashram) is being developed.
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Over 25 new parking projects and a lift irrigation scheme worth ₹12 crore in Sadi Maher are underway to ease local infrastructure needs.
Strengthening Education & Social Development
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A new administrative building at Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora is under construction.
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A drug de-addiction center has been established in Almora to support the state’s campaign for a ‘Drug-Free Uttarakhand’.
Local Economy & Livelihood Promotion
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to stop migration and boost local economy:
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Promotion of One District, Two Products (ODOP) scheme to provide identity and markets to local produce.
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Branding of Uttarakhand products through ‘House of Himalayas’ initiative.
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Expansion of State Millet Mission, Apple Mission, Farm Machinery Bank, Homestay schemes, New Tourism Policy and Film Policy.
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Special emphasis on ‘Vocal for Local’ and the PM’s call for “Swadeshi Apnao, Desh Ko Majboot Banao.”
Firm Stand on Law, Order and Identity
Reaffirming his government’s stand on protecting Uttarakhand’s cultural identity and demographics, CM Dhami said:
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Strict anti-conversion and anti-riot laws are in place.
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Action against land jihad has freed more than 6,500 acres of government land.
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Over 750 illegal madrasas have been sealed, and illegal structures demolished.
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The government has decided to abolish the Madrasa Board from July 1, 2026, after which only madrasas teaching government-approved curriculum will be allowed to function.
Commitment to Tradition with Development
Dhami concluded by saying that along with protecting the cultural identity of Devbhoomi, the government is equally focused on development, livelihood, health, and tourism. “By reviving our temples, promoting local crafts, strengthening healthcare and connectivity, and ensuring law and order, we are committed to building a self-reliant and prosperous Uttarakhand,” he said.
