CM asks Niti Aayog to make state specific policies

Dehradun: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in a meeting with NITI Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery on Saturday, said the state needs special policies given its unique geographical challenges, which include mountainous terrains, plains, and the Bhabar and Terai regions. Dhami said, "Disasters, forest fires, migration, and floating population are significant challenges in the state. Due to its proximity to international borders with two countries, Uttarakhand holds strategic importance. A special policy is needed to enhance the livelihood of people in mountainous areas. Therefore, all such factors need to be considered while framing policies for Uttarakhand."
Dhami discussed the govt's ambitious River Linking Project, aimed at connecting glacier-fed rivers with rain-fed ones, which, he said, could bring transformative long-term benefits. A substantial amount of funding is required for the implementation of the project, for which the CM sought technical assistance from NITI Aayog.
The CM also highlighted the strain on Uttarakhand's infrastructure due to the massive floating population, which swells tenfold due to religious tourism and visitors. "With a population of around 12.5 million, Uttarakhand must develop infrastructure and basic facilities keeping this floating population in mind. The state is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, which cause significant loss of life and property every year," Dhami said, underscoring the need for a disaster-sensitive approach to development.
He also requested a special policy for the development of border areas, citing their strategic importance. Dhami told Bery about the "Empowered Uttarakhand Initiative," launched in 2022 to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. The initiative aims to double Uttarakhand's economy within five years, with the state's economy already growing 1.3 times since 2022.
The Niti Aayog vice chairman congratulated Dhami for Uttarakhand's top ranking in the Sustainable Development Goals index and assured full support for addressing the major challenges discussed.