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Key Points

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss critical state infrastructure needs. The meeting focused on urgent urban drainage improvements and multiple large-scale infrastructure projects across water, energy, and public service sectors. Dhami presented detailed project reports totaling over Rs 8,500 crore for stormwater management and infrastructure development. The Finance Minister responded positively, promising support for Uttarakhand's development initiatives.

Key Points: Dhami Seeks FM Sitharaman's Support for Uttarakhand Projects

  • Dhami seeks Rs 8,589 crore for stormwater drainage in ten districts
  • Proposal for four major infrastructure projects totaling Rs 7,628 crore
  • Urgent need to upgrade urban drainage systems in ecologically sensitive terrain
  • Sitharaman assures full support from Central government
2 min read

Uttarakhand CM Dhami meets FM Sitharaman, seeks support for key infrastructure projects

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami discusses critical infrastructure and climate resilience projects with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

"These projects will significantly strengthen the state's infrastructure, water resources, energy systems, and public service delivery - Pushkar Singh Dhami"

New Delhi, Oct 9

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and discussed a range of issues concerning the hill state.

The Chief Minister thanked the Finance Minister for the financial support given to Uttarakhand and congratulated her on the successful implementation of the GST reforms during the meeting.

Dhami emphasised the state's difficulties, stating that it is urgent to upgrade urban drainage systems in Uttarakhand due to the state's ecologically sensitive terrain, high rainfall, and the rapidly growing urban population.

To improve stormwater drainage in ten of the state's most rain-affected districts, detailed project reports (DPRs) totalling Rs 8,589.47 crore have been prepared, he told the Finance Minister. He pleaded with the Centre to authorise these projects under the Special Assistance to States Scheme for Capital Investment.

Additionally, the Chief Minister pushed for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) to be approved sooner. Proposals totalling Rs 850 crore for the Public Financial Management Strengthening Project and Rs 800 crore for Water Supply Improvement are still pending approval, whereas the Uttarakhand Climate Resilience Development Project has already been approved.

Along with raising the cap on externally aided projects from 2023-2024 to 2025-2026, Dhami also requested approval for four significant projects.

These include the Water and Sanitation Urban Infrastructure Development Project (Rs 2,000 crore), the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project-III (DRIP-III) (Rs 424 crore), the Uttarakhand Climate Resilient Intra-State Power Transmission System Development (Rs 3,638 crore), and the Uttarakhand Power Distribution Reliability Improvement Project (Rs 1,566 crore).

"These projects will significantly strengthen the state's infrastructure, water resources, energy systems, and public service delivery," Dhami said.

Finance Minister Sitharaman assured the Chief Minister of all possible support from the Centre.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 8,589 crore just for drainage systems? Seems excessive. While infrastructure is important, we need transparency in how these massive amounts are being utilized. Corruption has been an issue in many state projects.
A
Arjun K
As someone from Dehradun, I've seen firsthand how poor drainage causes flooding every monsoon. This investment is much needed! The climate resilience projects are particularly important for our fragile Himalayan ecosystem. 🌄
S
Sarah B
Good to see state and central government working together. The power distribution and dam rehabilitation projects will benefit both residents and the growing tourism industry. Uttarakhand deserves this development support.
V
Vikram M
Hope they don't compromise on environmental standards while implementing these projects. Uttarakhand's beauty and ecological balance must be preserved. Development should be sustainable!
M
Michael C
The detailed project reports show proper planning. Infrastructure development in hill states requires specialized approaches. Hope other Himalayan states get similar attention from the Centre.

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