CM Dhami Inaugurates Maa Nanda Devi Mela 2025, Announces Major Boost to Almora’s Culture, Healthcare, and Infrastructure

National Times Bureau, August 28: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Maa Nanda Devi Mela 2025 of Almora through a virtual medium on Thursday, extending warm greetings to the people of Almora and the entire state. He described the fair as not just a spiritual celebration but also a platform for cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and social development. He also announced that preparations for the grand Maa Nanda Raj Jat Yatra 2026 are already underway.

The state government has sanctioned ₹146 crore for the beautification of Jageshwar Dham under the Manaskhand Parvat Mala Mission, with the second phase of work approved. The Maa Nanda Devi Temple will be reconstructed in traditional Kumaoni hill style to reinforce the region’s cultural identity. A Nanda Devi Handicraft Village will also be set up in Dinapani to promote Aipan art, copperware, woodcraft, and women-led enterprises, giving artisans direct access to larger markets.

On the healthcare front, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a 50-bed critical care block in Almora and the upgradation of Almora Women’s Hospital at a cost of ₹5 crore. Plans for a new base hospital building and expansion of Someshwar Sub-District Hospital have also been finalized, along with the opening of a drug de-addiction centre in Almora.

Infrastructure in Almora has witnessed rapid expansion, with 248 km of rural roads built in the past three years. The Almora–Pauri Garhwal–Rudraprayag road has been completed at a cost of ₹400 crore, while the widening of the Almora–Bageshwar road worth ₹922 crore has been sanctioned. Heli services under the Udaan Yojana are now operational, and a new helipad is planned at Chaukhutia near Dol Ashram. Parking projects at more than 25 sites and a ₹12 crore lift irrigation scheme at Sadi Mahar village are also in progress.

The government is strengthening livelihoods through the ‘One District, Two Products’ scheme, the State Millet Mission, House of Himalayas brand, Farm Machinery Bank, Apple Mission, and Homestay/Film Policy. Products from the Nanda Devi Handicraft Village will be linked to both national and international markets, opening wider opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs.

Law enforcement has also been a focus, with strict anti-conversion, anti-riot, and anti-land mafia laws in place. More than 6,500 acres of encroached land have been freed, over 250 illegal madrasas sealed, and 500 illegal structures removed. The state government further announced that the Madrasa Board will be abolished by July 2026, after which only the state curriculum will be followed.

Chief Minister Dhami stated, “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is witnessing a revival of its cultural heritage. Our government is committed to preserving the values of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand while ensuring overall development, infrastructure growth, and livelihood opportunities for our people.”