PM Modi Marks Uttarakhand’s 25th Foundation Day, Unveils ₹8,260 Cr Projects to Boost State Development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Uttarakhand on Sunday, 9 November to celebrate the state’s 25th foundation day. He attended a public function in Dehradun where he hailed the state’s development by inaugurating several projects.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) November 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to participate in the main event marking the Silver Jubilee of Uttarakhand's formation at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun today with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. And the event commemorates 25 years from the founding of the state. In celebration of the event, the Prime Minister unveiled a commemorative postal stamp and will personally address people assembled there.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi said, "Today, as Uttarakhand completes its 25th anniversary, my belief has become even stronger that this is a period of Uttarakhand's progress. 25 years ago, when Uttarakhand was newly formed, challenges were numerous. Resources were limited. The state budget was small. Income sources were meagre, and most needs were met with central assistance. Today, the picture has completely changed.”
Focus on ‘Vocal for Local’ and Vision of a Global Spiritual Capital
In his address on the silver jubilee celebrations, PM Modi lauded the state's deep rooted association with 'Vocal for Local', as it is a part of its tradition. He stressed on spirituality as the real strength of Uttarakhand and said he has full faith that one day it could become the Spiritual Capital of world. Modi mentioned how pilgrimage spots like Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Jageshwar and Adi Kailash have become housing a symbol of faith and millions of pilgrims visit each year both spiritually as well economically benefiting the area.
Major Infrastructure Push: ₹8,260 Cr Projects Across Key Sectors Launched
Modi laid foundation stones of various projects worth ₹8,260 crore in Uttarakhand to commemorate 25 years of the creation of the hill State and hailed its all-round growth in a range of sectors.
He further said that infrastructure projects worth ₹2 lakh crore are under construction in the state and he had prioritised the roads.
Addressing a function to mark the 25th anniversary of the State, he said while Uttarakhand’s budget stood at ₹4,000 crore 25 years ago, it had crossed one lakh crore now.
Focus on Green Energy, Sports and Sustainable Development Projects
The project, launched by the Prime Minister includes works in areas of drinking water, irrigation, sanitation, energy, education and sports.
The projects are - Dehradun water supply in 23 zones under AMRUT scheme, an electrical substation in Pithoragarh district, solar power plants on government buildings, AstroTurf Hockey Ground at Haldwani Stadium in Nainital etc.
