CM Dhami Inaugurates All India Forest Sports and Cultural Meet, Showcases Uttarakhand’s Green and Sporting Spirit

Dehradun, November 12, 2025: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 28th All India Forest Sports and Cultural Meet 2025 at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur, on Wednesday, expressing pride in the state hosting this prestigious national event.

Welcoming participants, forest officers, and sports enthusiasts from across the country, Dhami thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav for supporting the event and congratulated the Forest Department and organisers for their successful coordination. He noted that this year’s competition has attracted 3,390 participants from 42 states and union territories, including over 700 women athletes.

Dhami highlighted the role of sports in shaping character and building the nation, saying, “Sports are not just a means of physical fitness but a foundation for discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.” He added that maintaining fitness was especially crucial for forest personnel, calling them the “true guardians of forests and the environment.”

The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government was committed to promoting both sports and sustainability. He announced that 23 sports academies were being set up across eight cities, along with a state sports university and a dedicated women’s sports college. To encourage sporting excellence, the government offers out-of-turn appointments to national and international medalists and a ₹50 lakh cash prize for outstanding performers. Dhami cited cricketer Sneha Rana, a World Cup winner from Uttarakhand, as a recent recipient of the award.

Speaking about Uttarakhand’s focus on sustainability, Dhami mentioned that the recently held 38th National Games were conducted under the “Green Games” theme using eco-friendly materials. He also shared that a “Sports Forest” has been created on 2.77 hectares, with 1,600 Rudraksha trees planted in the names of medal winners to blend sports and environmental consciousness.

Dhami described Uttarakhand as the “Oxygen Bank” and “Water Tower” of India, noting that nearly 71% of its land is forested. The state hosts six national parks, seven wildlife sanctuaries, and four conservation reserves—figures significantly higher than the national average. To enhance wildlife protection, the government has deployed GPS tracking, drones, and dog squads while raising compensation for human-wildlife conflicts from ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

The Chief Minister also outlined several youth-focused initiatives, including the “CM Young Eco-preneur Scheme,” which trains young people as nature guides, drone operators, wildlife photographers, and eco-tourism entrepreneurs. Additionally, “Canter Rides” have been introduced to connect local communities with conservation and tourism.

Dhami highlighted the creation of a modern rescue centre, termed the “AIIMS of Wildlife,” in Corbett and sought central support for two major projects—the Haldwani Zoo Safari and the Snow Leopard Conservation Centre in Uttarkashi.

Echoing Prime Minister Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, Dhami urged players to plant saplings in their mothers’ names at the venue, calling it a tribute of love and a step toward a greener future.

Concluding his speech, Dhami expressed confidence that the meet would strengthen both India’s sporting spirit and its environmental commitment. “Your dedication enhances not only the pride of Uttarakhand but also contributes to building a greener, healthier, and stronger India,” he said.