DEHRADUN: In a significant boost to local infrastructure, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday inaugurated the Harbans Kapoor Memorial Community Hall in the Dakra-Garhi Cantonment area of Dehradun. Built at a cost of ₹12.51 crore by the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA), the state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the memory of the late Harbans Kapoor, former cabinet minister and a respected public figure.
The land for the center was provided by the Cantonment Board, and the venue has a capacity of around 1,000 people. It is equipped with modern amenities to host weddings, social gatherings, and community events, including ample parking facilities. The center is expected to significantly ease the shortage of suitable venues for such events in the area.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Dhami praised Harbans Kapoor’s legacy of public service and deep connection with the people. He noted that the hall will serve as a key hub for social events not just for Garhi Cantt, but also neighboring regions. The CM directed MDDA Vice President Banshidhar Tiwari to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure the facility is made available to the public at an affordable cost.
On a broader note, the Chief Minister commended the bravery of the Indian Army, stating that it has consistently displayed unmatched valor, including recent successful operations in response to attacks in Pahalgam. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong leadership for India’s decisive stance against terrorism and emphasized the government’s commitment to the principle of “Nation First.”
Highlighting the development strides in Uttarakhand, Dhami said the state government is working in alignment with the Centre to advance infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Over the past three years, more than 23,000 government jobs have been provided, and the recruitment process is ongoing. He also mentioned the historic implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand, calling it a step toward preserving the cultural and demographic identity of Devbhoomi.
Focusing on urban development, the CM shared that approximately ₹1,400 crore worth of development projects are currently underway in Dehradun. These include long-term solutions to traffic congestion and parking challenges, as well as proposals like an elevated road over the Rispana and Bindal rivers. Projects such as the Dehradun-Delhi Elevated Road and the Song Dam are also in progress.
Dhami further mentioned the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, assuring that the government is actively monitoring the pilgrimage to ensure the safety and comfort of the thousands of visiting devotees.
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, MLA Savita Kapoor (wife of Harbans Kapoor), Cantt Board Chairman Brigadier RS Thapa, Metropolitan BJP President Siddharth Agarwal, and BJP leader Neha Joshi.
MDDA Vice President Tiwari informed that the community hall was completed within 18 months, as per schedule, and similar projects are being considered for other regions to enhance public infrastructure.
