NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, in New Delhi on Thursday, seeking swift approval for environmental clearances and forest land transfers critical to several hydroelectric and tourism development projects in the state.
Highlighting the state’s growing energy needs, CM Dhami emphasized that Uttarakhand is currently dependent on power purchases from other states and the central pool. He underlined the urgent necessity of initiating new, eco-friendly hydroelectric projects to secure reliable electricity supply, generate local employment, curb migration, and foster regional socio-economic growth.
The Chief Minister specifically sought the Union Ministry’s clearance for 47.547 hectares of forest and revenue (barren) land required for the proposed Tyuni-Plasu Hydroelectric Project. This 72 MW project is planned on the Tons River, a major tributary of the Yamuna in Uttarakhand.
Dhami also advocated for the early clearance of the Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiyabagd Hydroelectric Project, the first such initiative on the Gauriganga River in the Kumaon region. He requested approval for the transfer of 29.997 hectares of forest land and the requisite environmental clearance for this 120 MW capacity project. Stressing the national and strategic significance of these projects, Dhami noted that with proposals on the Ganga River currently pending, it is crucial to move forward with developments on the Yamuna, Gauriganga, and Dhauliganga rivers.
In addition to hydroelectric initiatives, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to approve a ropeway project from Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh to the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in the upcoming meeting of the National Wildlife Board. He highlighted that the project would alleviate traffic congestion, enhance religious tourism, and boost the local economy.
Dhami also requested central assistance for the revival of Chaurasi Kutiya (Beatles Ashram), which he said would further position Rishikesh as a global hub for yoga and tourism.
Amid rising concerns over frequent forest fires, CM Dhami called for special assistance of ₹404 crore under a five-year forest fire management plan as part of the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) scheme.
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav assured full cooperation and support for all the proposals put forth by the Chief Minister.
The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, R. Meenakshi Sundaram, and Resident Commissioner Ajay Mishra.
