Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], April 14 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Monday that flood protective work on the River Pindar will be done from Saraswati Shishu Mandir to the market in Karnaprayag.

Addressing the Baisakhi Religious Tourism, Cultural and Development Fair-2025, which was organized at Karnaprayag (Chamoli) through a virtual medium from the Chief Minister's Office, Dehradun, CM Dhami said that a parking lot will be constructed near the market in Karnaprayag.

'In view of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a multi-storey parking will be constructed near the Kankhul taxi stand. A parking lot will be constructed near the motor bridge in Shimli. A road will be constructed from Government Inter College to Sankrisera, Palethi and Padli.' CM Dhami said.

While extending his best wishes on Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti and the Vaisakhi festival, the Chief Minister said that he wanted to be present among everyone and witness this special fair, but due to pre-scheduled government engagements, he is joining through virtual medium only.

He said that such fairs strengthen the region's economy and preserve ancient cultural heritage. Fairs not only connect our society but also provide a respected platform for folk artists.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is standing with the disaster-affected families at every step and that strict instructions have been given to the officials for their rehabilitation.

CM Dhami said that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is continuously working for the state's overall development.

'Works like Chardham road project, connecting various hill towns with heli service, introduction of government heli ambulance, and infrastructure related to education, health, road and drinking water in every corner of the state have progressed rapidly,' he added.

He said that with the completion of the Rishikesh Karnaprayag rail line project, the dream of bringing rail to the mountains will also be realized.

'Due to which immense employment opportunities will increase in the entire region, including Karnaprayag,' CM Dhami said.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is working towards preserving the cultural heritage of the state along with development works.

'Redevelopment work is being done on a large scale at Kedarnath Dham at a cost of crores. Development work is being done under the master plan at Badrinath Dham at a cost of Rs 424 crore. The Government of India has also approved the construction of a ropeway for Baba Kedarnath Dham and Hemkund Sahib,' he said.

The Chief Minister said that next year, the Raj Jat Yatra of Maa Nanda Devi will start from Nauti village of Karnaprayag, for which the state government has already started preparations.

He said that this time, we will all celebrate the Raj Jat Yatra together in a grander and more divine form. Work is also in progress on many important schemes to stop migration from the mountains and strengthen the local economy.

'Work is going on to make the women of the state economically strong and self-reliant through Ek Janpad-Do Utpad Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana,' CM Dhami said.

He said that employment opportunities are increasing in the state, and doors of new possibilities are opening in the tourism and agriculture sectors as well. (ANI)